Egypt’s Pyramids FC marked another milestone in their rapid rise on the continental stage after clinching the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, defeating Saudi giants Al Ahli Jeddah 3–1 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The night belonged to Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, who delivered a clinical hat-trick, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards. Mayele struck first in the 21st minute after latching onto a smart pass from Ibrahim Toure. Al Ahli equalized through England international Ivan Toney from the penalty spot, but Pyramids reasserted control in the second half. Mahmoud Zalaka’s pinpoint cross set up Mayele for his second in the 71st minute, and just four minutes later, the forward completed his treble with a thunderous strike off the post.
The victory gave Pyramids their first-ever international title, building on their maiden CAF Champions League crown earlier this year. It also reinforced Egypt’s recent dominance in the tournament, following Al Ahly’s inaugural win in 2024.
“This is more than a football victory—it is a statement about Egypt’s place in global football,” said Mohamed Fadl, former Egyptian Football Association board member, in a post-match interview. “For years, Al Ahly carried the torch. Now Pyramids are proving they can be Egypt’s second continental powerhouse.” Last season saw Al Ahly fall short in the African Cup but secure the Egyptian League title, while Zamalek claimed the Egypt Cup—underscoring the intensifying rivalry shaping the domestic football scene
The African champions will now advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they are set to face the winner between Mexico’s Cruz Azul and South America’s champion in December. The eventual winner will meet Paris Saint-Germain, who as UEFA Champions League holders are seeded directly to the final.
Sources close to Pyramids FC revealed that the club’s owners are eyeing new sponsorship deals with Gulf-based telecom and energy firms following their victory. One insider suggested talks with an Emirati sponsor “are already at an advanced stage,” a move that could give Pyramids the financial muscle to sustain its ambitious recruitment strategy.
The victory comes amid a period of unprecedented growth in Middle Eastern football, marked by expanding audiences and rising investments. Ultimately, however, it is strategy and spirit that decide outcomes on the pitch. Pyramids’ triumph highlights not only its domestic and regional strength but also its potential to serve as a global ambassador for African football.
