Hani Said, the sporting director of Pyramids FC, emphasized the importance of making a strong start in the team's CAF Champions League campaign, affirming that securing an away victory is the team's primary objective.
Pyramids FC is preparing to face Kenya's Gor Mahia tomorrow, Sunday, in the first leg of the preliminary round.
Hani Said stated via the Pyramids FC media center: "The beginning is always crucial; it provides us with a positive boost at the start of the tournament. God willing, we will deliver a good performance in the first leg that will assist us in the return match."
He continued, "I hope the players are in good condition and highly focused, and that we return with victory, God willing. The atmosphere in African competitions can be challenging, but we have overcome this phase. We have participated in the tournament for years and have moved past being affected by playing away from home. Our goal is to achieve victory whether playing away or at home."
He added, "We have won this tournament before, which naturally makes a significant difference when participating as a former champion. However, this never diminishes the importance of the upcoming match, on which we must remain focused."
He revealed, "Winning matches like these is certainly more important than the quality of performance. For me, the most important thing is that every player enters the match with full concentration. Technical aspects are the coach's responsibility, but what matters to me is seeing each player give 100% of their energy on the field."
He concluded, "In our league match against Al-Masry, we did not deliver as required. This concerned some players, not all of them. I am not accustomed to seeing this from my team; I am used to players giving their utmost on the field."
The first-leg match will take place in Kenya tomorrow, Sunday, with the return leg scheduled for next Sunday.
Pyramids FC won the CAF Champions League once in the 2024–2025 season after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2–1 on aggregate across both legs.
Pyramids FC currently tops the Egyptian Premier League standings with 9 points, tied with Al-Ahly but ahead on goal difference in favor of the Sky Blues.
