Pyramids Coach: Absence of AS FAR Fans Was Positive Factor; Second Leg in Cairo Will Be Very Difficult

Pyramids FC coach Kruncislav Jurcic affirmed that the clash against AS FAR was as difficult as anticipated, following their 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Croatian coach explained that his team played under special circumstances, missing several key players.

Jurcic stated, "We played today without four players who would normally start the match, but this is football."

He added, "Every time we made a mistake in the first half, the opponent managed to score, but this happens in football, especially with defenders."

Jurcic confirmed that his team did not alter their playing style despite the match's difficulty, saying, "We did not change our playing method; we tried to play offensively, had more possession, created chances, and shot at goal."

The Croatian coach also emphasized that the tie is far from decided: "What we played tonight was only the first half. The second half will be in Cairo, and we anticipate a very difficult match."

He continued, "I respect AS FAR greatly; they have players with significant individual quality, and we expect a very strong return leg."

Jurcic went on to address the fixture congestion his team faces in Egypt, stating that Pyramids will be the only qualified team to play another cup match between their two CAF Champions League fixtures. He then offered "sarcastic" thanks to the authorities responsible for this decision.

The Pyramids coach concluded his remarks by discussing the absence of AS FAR's fans, saying, "As I mentioned yesterday, we have adapted to this situation because we are accustomed to playing many matches without spectators in Egypt. AS FAR usually enjoys tremendous support from their wonderful fans, and perhaps it was difficult for them to play today without their supporters present, which might have been a positive factor for us."