Ahmed El-Shenawy: “We Have the Experience to Achieve Outstanding Results in the Champions League”
Ahmed El-Shenawy, goalkeeper for Pyramids FC, affirmed that despite already qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, the match against Mali’s Djoliba remains important. Because it will be played on Pyramids’ home turf, he emphasized that they will not accept dropping any points at home. Therefore, securing a win and adding three more points to their tally is crucial. Djoliba will face Pyramids at 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Air Defense Stadium in the final group-stage match of the Champions League. El-Shenawy explained that Pyramids had been dealing with several injuries recently, but the situation has improved significantly. He credited the head coach for effectively rotating the squad and involving all players to cope with absences, injuries, and other unforeseen circumstances. He added that the team will face Djoliba with its usual approach—playing for a win, with no other option. El-Shenawy stressed that the team fell short of expectations in last year’s Champions League, exiting in the group stage. That disappointment served as a powerful motivator to achieve better results this season, aim for the latter stages, and compete for the title. Now that the first objective—qualifying for the next round—has been achieved, the team expects a series of tough matches ahead but will do its utmost to keep going. He noted that Pyramids features players with considerable experience who have competed in major finals both in Africa and domestically, making them well-equipped to go after the championship.