It is now being insisted that a certain club were absolutely right not to congratulate Pyramids FC on winning the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.
Pyramids made history by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League final, claiming their first-ever continental title.
They also became only the fourth Egyptian club to lift the trophy, following in the footsteps of Ismaily, Zamalek SC, and record champions Al Ahly.
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Despite Egypt’s dominance in the competition, fierce domestic rivalries continue to influence relationships between the country’s top clubs.
Following Pyramids’ triumph on Sunday, Al Ahly notably refrained from congratulating their local rivals.
Sayed Abdel Hafiz, former director of football at Al Ahly, defended the club’s stance, insisting that the Red Devils were right not to acknowledge Pyramids’ success, regardless of how unsporting it may seem.
Speaking on MBC Masr, Abdel Hafiz said: "On a personal level, it’s possible to offer congratulations, but on an official level, Al Ahly is 100% right.
"This is a club that constantly questions Al Ahly with official letters and statements. It inflates ticket prices only when facing Al Ahly, and doesn’t do the same for any other club.
"It’s a club that always talks about refereeing fairness, implying Al Ahly benefits from bias. One of their players insulted Al Ahly fans openly, in front of everyone.
"So, on an institutional level, Al Ahly is absolutely right not to congratulate Pyramids.
"This has nothing to do with sportsmanship. If it were about sportsmanship, when Al Ahly won the league, did Pyramids congratulate them or applaud them? No, they didn’t. So Al Ahly is justified."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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