Defending champions Pyramids FC have been knocked out of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after a 2-1 home defeat to Morocco\u2019s FAR Rabat, who sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory to reach the semi-final.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 military club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAR Rabat struck early, extended their advantage after the break, and withstood late pressure from the hosts to secure a famous result that ends Pyramids\u2019 reign as continental champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The visitors made a dream start, silencing the home crowd inside the opening 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 FAR Rabat an early lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Moroccan side, forcing Pyramids to chase the game earlier than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite enjoying more possession as the half progressed, the hosts struggled to break through a well-organised FAR defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their frustration grew midway through the first half when they appealed for a penalty following a suspected handball inside the area. However, after consulting VAR, the referee upheld his original decision, leaving Pyramids without a lifeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAR Rabat continued to threaten on the counter and from set-pieces, and their persistence paid off shortly after the restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019 lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that stage, Pyramids were staring at elimination and needed an immediate response to keep their hopes alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reaction came almost instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite their urgency, Pyramids struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined FAR Rabat backline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mohamed El-Sheibi, one of Pyramids\u2019 standout performers on the night, continued to deliver dangerous balls into the area, but the Moroccan defence remained resolute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the hosts\u2019 best opportunities fell to a late substitute, who fired over the crossbar after meeting a well-placed cross, summing up a frustrating evening for the reigning champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the other end, FAR Rabat managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when needed and limiting Pyramids\u2019 attacking rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final whistle confirmed a significant result for FAR Rabat, who advance to the semi-finals with confidence after eliminating one of the tournament favourites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Pyramids, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their title defence despite entering the tie with high expectations following last season\u2019s triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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