Pyramids FC are preparing for an important match against South Sudan's Al Merrikh Bentiu on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32.

The Egyptian side will aim to secure qualification despite missing two defenders through suspension.

The match will take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo at 8:00 PM local time, with Pyramids hoping to make the most of their home advantage and the narrow lead they earned in the first leg.

Pyramids defeated Al Merrikh Bentiu 1-0 in Juba, South Sudan, thanks to a goal from Mahmoud Saber.

That result gives the Egyptian club an advantage heading into the return fixture.

A win or draw will be enough for Pyramids to progress, while a one-goal defeat would send the match into extra time following the removal of the away-goals rule.

Defensive Absences

Pyramids head coach Rulani Mokwena will have to make changes to his defensive plans, with Mahmoud Marei and Eyad El Askalany both unavailable due to suspension.

Marei received a red card after collecting two yellow cards during the first leg, while El Askalany is suspended after receiving three yellow cards.

Their absence means Mokwena will need to rely on other defensive options to maintain stability and prevent Al Merrikh Bentiu from creating dangerous chances.

Ahmed Samy and Khaled Awad are expected to form the central defensive partnership, with Mohamed El Shibi and Karim Hafez operating as full-backs.

Despite these absences, Pyramids still have several experienced midfielders and attacking players available, giving Mokwena different options for the match.

The Pyramids squad includes:

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El Shenawy, Hazem Gamal, Ziad Haitham.

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Defenders: Ahmed Samy, Mohamed El Shibi, Khaled Awad, Karim Hafez.

Midfielders: Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Abdelkader, Mostafa Fathi, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Zalaka, Walid El Karti, Abdelrahman Magdy, Nasser Maher, Ahmed Atef Otta, Mostafa Ziko, Hamed Hamdan, Ouda Fakhoury, Ahmed Fawzi.

Forwards: Ahmed Nadhir Ben Bouali, Youssef Obama, Dodo El Gabbas.

Ziko and Ben Bouali Lead the Attack

Mokwena is expected to include Mostafa Ziko and Ahmed Nadhir Ben Bouali in his attacking plans as Pyramids look to put early pressure on the visitors and strengthen their advantage.

The expected starting lineup features Ahmed El Shenawy in goal, with Mohamed El Shibi, Ahmed Samy, Khaled Awad and Karim Hafez forming the defensive line.

Mohanad Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Nasser Maher and Mostafa Ziko are expected to feature in midfield, while Ahmed Nadhir Ben Bouali and Youssef Obama could lead the attack.

Pyramids will look to control possession through their midfield players and move the ball quickly into attacking areas.

Ziko and Nasser Maher could play important roles in creating space and providing opportunities for the forwards, while Ben Bouali will aim to turn those chances into goals.

However, maintaining the right balance between attack and defence will be essential, particularly with two regular defensive options unavailable.

An early goal for Al Merrikh Bentiu could bring the visitors back into the tie, making defensive concentration an important part of Mokwena's plans.

Although Pyramids enter the match with a narrow advantage, they cannot afford to rely entirely on their first-leg victory.

The match will be broadcast on ON Sport Max, with Pyramids hoping to overcome their defensive absences and secure a place in the next round of the CAF Champions League.