African ‘Man City’ aim to put squeeze on Orange Boys

JOHANNESBURG: Pyramids FC of Egypt are called the ‘Manchester City’ of Africa because they share with the English Premier League club the benefits of huge investment from the Middle East. Formed in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport, the club made no impact until Saudi Turki al Sheikh took over, changed the name to Pyramids and splashed millions of dollars signing stars and coaches.

When Emirati Salim al Shamsi succeeded Al Sheikh he followed a similar pattern with the goal of challenging domestic giants Al Ahly and Zamalek and becoming a force in Africa. They entered the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time this season and will complete a fairytale Sunday if they defeat Moroccan outfit Renaissance Berkane, known as the Orange Boys, in the final in Rabat. Here, AFP Sport spotlights five things to know ahead of the title decider in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. This advantage to Berkane will be considerably diluted because the title decider takes place behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a big blow as ordinarily Renaissance would have been backed by a predominantly Moroccan crowd in the 50,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital of the kingdom. Berkane qualified for the final by overcoming fellow Moroccans Hassania Agadir at the final venue while Pyramids beat Horoya of Guinea 92 kilometres (57 miles) down the Atlantic coast in Casablanca. —AFP