Egypt’s Pyramids FC sealed their place in the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 comeback victory over Nigeria’s Rivers United in a Group C encounter on Sunday.
The result confirmed Pyramids FC’s progression to the last eight while simultaneously ending Rivers United’s hopes, as the Nigerian champions suffered a fourth defeat in the group—remarkably their third loss on home soil.
Rivers United had taken a surprise lead through Stephen Manyo in the 33rd minute, before the break, lifting hopes of a revival in front of their home supporters.
However, the Egyptian side returned from halftime with renewed purpose and completely turned the game on its head, scoring four unanswered goals to underline their superiority.
Their comeback began with Mostafa Fathy levelling up in the 52nd minute before snatching the lead through a Marwan Hamdy penalty kick in the 77th minute.
Jordanian Odeh Fakhoury extended the lead just two minutes into regulation time before Nasser Maher put the final nail in the coffin, a minute into the added time.
Pyramids FC’s second-half onslaught exposed the defensive frailties of the hosts, who struggled to cope with the visitors’ pace, movement and clinical finishing as the match wore on.
The emphatic win lifted the Egyptian side beyond reach in Group C, mathematically securing their passage to the knockout phase with a game to spare.
For Rivers United, the defeat confirmed an early exit from the competition and compounded a disappointing continental campaign. Having now lost four group matches, including three at home, the Nigerian side will be left to reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses that proved costly at this level.
With qualification assured, Pyramids FC can now approach their remaining group fixture with confidence as they look ahead to the business end of Africa’s premier club competition.
