LIVE: Zambia’s Zanaco v Egypt’s Pyramids FC | CAF Confederation Cup
Egypt’s Masry will be hoping for a fresh start under new coach Tarek El-Ashri while Pyramids seek to continue their ambitious bid towards a continental title as both sides contest vital games in the African Confederation Cup on Sunday.
Masry begin life under a new boss following the resignation of Ihab Galal as they host last season’s runners-up RS Berkane of Morocco in Suez in the first leg of the Confederation Cup quarters.
Pyramids, who are dreaming big on their maiden appearance in an African competition, face Zambia’s Zanaco in Lusaka on the back of a notable improvement in their domestic run.
Masry, who are used to challenging for a top-four finish, are reeling following some poor results, which saw them slip to 10th in the Egyptian Premier League, prompting Galal to step down.
The experience of El-Ashri could be an asset as they seek to arrest their slump in form, although Berkane could provide a stiff test at this point.
Berkane came very close to winning Africa’s secondary competition last season, only to lose to Egyptian giants Zamalek on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Pyramids have had their fortunes turned around since the arrival of former Croatia coach Ante Cacic, moving up to fourth in the league table and reaching the Egypt Cup quarterfinals.
“We are fully concentrated on the task ahead of us as we target nothing but the title,” Pyramids’ veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said said.
“Zanaco are a strong and experienced team. We need to get out of Lusaka with a positive result to make our task easier in the second leg.”
