Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurčić spoke with clear satisfaction about his side’s progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-finals, where they are set to meet Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo. The Croatian stressed that the squad’s achievements deserve greater recognition, pointing to the scale of what the players have accomplished in a short period.
Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurčić spoke with clear satisfaction about his side’s progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-finals, where they are set to meet Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo. The Croatian stressed that the squad’s achievements deserve greater recognition, pointing to the scale of what the players have accomplished in a short period.
The Cairo-based club arrive in Doha as holders of the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, and the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup. Their next assignment will be played on Saturday at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with the Challenge Cup and a place in the final against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain at stake.
Pyramids booked their place in the last four through a convincing path, beating Auckland City 3-0 at home before earning a 3-1 away victory over Al-Ahli in Jeddah. Flamengo advanced after edging CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul 2-1 earlier in the week.
Since taking charge in February 2024, the 56-year-old manager has overseen a dramatic rise, guiding the club to the 2024/25 CAF Champions League crown and lifting the CAF Super Cup in 2025. He admitted the side lacked long-standing exposure to global competitions, yet underlined their proven dominance on the African stage.
“Arriving at this level as a young institution gives us enormous satisfaction and pushes everyone to keep striving until the final moment,” Jurčić told journalists on Friday.
Jurčić confirmed he had closely followed Flamengo’s recent match, acknowledging the Brazilian side’s quality while reminding observers of Pyramids’ own status. He made it clear that continental champions from Africa should not be underestimated, regardless of reputation.
The coach expressed unwavering faith in his squad, describing them as winners shaped by previous encounters with strong opponents and difficult situations. He believes their presence in Qatar is further evidence of their resilience and growth.
“We are here for a semi-final, and that alone says a lot,” he explained. “Even with the strength Flamengo possesses, I am convinced my players will produce something special that will stay in the memory of this club.”
Turning to availability issues, Jurčić revealed that several members of the squad are absent for different reasons. He insisted the group is familiar with coping under such circumstances and remains focused. In the case of Walid El-Karti, currently with Morocco at the FIFA Arab Cup, he said the matter rests with the club’s leadership.
Despite the obstacles, Jurčić voiced disappointment at what he sees as a lack of backing from governing bodies. He called for acknowledgment of what the team has achieved, describing their journey as extraordinary and worthy of appreciation.
From a psychological standpoint, the coach said his preparations are centered solely on the semi-final. He dismissed talk of a potential showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, stressing that Flamengo is the immediate focus.
According to Jurčić, expectation weighs heavier on the Brazilian side, given their stature and perceived obligation to prevail. Pyramids, he argued, can approach the contest without the same burden, allowing them to play with freedom.
He also appealed to Egyptian supporters in Qatar to stand behind the team, reminding them that Pyramids FC carries the image of one of the country’s most famous landmarks. While acknowledging the importance of the upcoming match, he highlighted that the triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns, which delivered the African title, remains the club’s defining success.
“That victory opened the door to everything that followed,” Jurčić concluded, pointing to the current tournament as the latest chapter in an already historic journey.
