Defending champions Pyramids FC of Egyptt have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after a 2-1 home defeat to Morocco’s ASFAR, 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 club.
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 ASFAR an early lead.
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.
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.
The Moroccan defence remained resolute as the final whistle confirmed a significant result for ASFAR, who advanced 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.
Saturday’s CAF Champions League results
Pyramids FC 1-2 AS FAR
Al Ahly 2-3 Esperance.