Defending champions Pyramids FC have been knocked out of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after a 2-1 home defeat to Morocco’s FAR Rabat, who sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory to reach the semi-final.
The Egyptian side, held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Rabat, needed a strong response in Cairo but instead found themselves undone by a clinical and disciplined performance from the Moroccan military club.
FAR Rabat struck early, extended their advantage after the break, and withstood late pressure from the hosts to secure a famous result that ends Pyramids’ reign as continental champions.
Early blow sets the tone
The visitors made a dream start, silencing the home crowd inside the opening 10 minutes.
A swift counter-attack down the right saw Youssef El Fahli drive forward before picking out Reda Slim, who finished emphatically into the top corner to give FAR Rabat an early lead.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Moroccan side, forcing Pyramids to chase the game earlier than expected.
Despite enjoying more possession as the half progressed, the hosts struggled to break through a well-organised FAR defence.
Their frustration grew midway through the first half when they appealed for a penalty following a suspected handball inside the area. However, after consulting VAR, the referee upheld his original decision, leaving Pyramids without a lifeline.
Set-piece precision doubles advantage
FAR Rabat continued to threaten on the counter and from set-pieces, and their persistence paid off shortly after the restart.
In the 55th minute, Reda Slim turned provider, delivering a precise corner that was met powerfully by captain Rabie El Harimat, whose header beat goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy to double the visitors’ lead.
At that stage, Pyramids were staring at elimination and needed an immediate response to keep their hopes alive.
Mayele sparks brief hope
The reaction came almost instantly.
Just two minutes later, Fiston Mayele pulled a goal back for the Egyptian side, reacting quickest inside the penalty area to convert from a well-delivered free kick.
The goal reignited belief among the home supporters and set up a tense final half-hour as Pyramids pushed forward in search of an equaliser that would have kept their title defence alive.
Rabat hold firm under pressure
Despite their urgency, Pyramids struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined FAR Rabat backline.
Mohamed El-Sheibi, one of Pyramids’ standout performers on the night, continued to deliver dangerous balls into the area, but the Moroccan defence remained resolute.
One of the hosts’ best opportunities fell to a late substitute, who fired over the crossbar after meeting a well-placed cross, summing up a frustrating evening for the reigning champions.
At the other end, FAR Rabat managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when needed and limiting Pyramids’ attacking rhythm.
A statement result
The final whistle confirmed a significant result for FAR Rabat, who advance to the semi-finals with confidence after eliminating one of the tournament favourites.
For Pyramids, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their title defence despite entering the tie with high expectations following last season’s triumph.
The Moroccan side will now look ahead to the semi-finals with renewed belief, while Pyramids are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a tie that ultimately slipped away on home soil.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
