Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids make impressive start in CAF Champions League

Egyptian football club Pyramids delivered a strong performance in the CAF Champions League, securing a 2-0 victory over Kenyan side Gor Mahia in their opening qualifier match. TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo also won on the road, while South African outfit Orlando Pirates and ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast, along with Algerian team Mouloudia Alger, drew away in their first legs. Earlier in the weekend, Zamalek of Egypt and Club Africain of Tunisia both emerged victorious in their respective matches.

Defending champion Mamelodi Sundowns, however, managed to claim a bye into the second and final qualifying round. The club's new coach, South African Rulani Mokwena, who took over from Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic, has made a promising start in Cairo. Pyramids have emerged as one of only two clubs with maximum points after three rounds of the Egyptian Premier League, and their primary objectives are to become African champions and win the Egyptian title.

Pyramids, along with Mazembe, showcased their strength in the first legs, winning 2-0 against Gor Mahia in Nairobi, where Walid El Karti and Mahmoud Saber scored before halftime. Mazembe fought off Medeama in Ghana with Lise Ntumba scoring the only goal in the 87th minute, resulting in a 1-0 win. Pirates faced a 0-0 draw against debutants La Cure Waves in Mauritius, while Mouloudia Alger also had to settle for a goalless draw against Nigelec in Niger. The teams will face each other again on September 10-13.