Auckland City FC’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ run has ended at the first hurdle in Cairo after a 3-0 loss to African champions Pyramids FC. The Navy Blues battled in testing conditions but were undone by Pyramids’ sharp finishing.
Pyramids set the tone early, keeping possession and pressing Auckland deep into their own half. Much of their threat came from the flanks, with Mohamed Shibi and Ewerton da Silva delivering dangerous balls into the box.
The pressure finally told midway through the first half when Da Silva whipped in a precise cross from the left, met by Walid El Karti for the opener.
Despite the setback, Auckland stood firm as goalkeeper Nathan Garrow who had impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup, producing several strong saves, while Adam Bell and Nikko Boxall defended bravely under constant pressure. Limited to counterattacks, the Navy Blues stayed resilient and went into the break still within reach.
The second half saw a more spirited Auckland effort finding space down the wings, with Dylan Manickum going closest when his shot inside the penalty area strayed wide.
Jerson Lagos also led a counter down the left as the Oceania champions pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Pyramids, though, kept the pressure on as Shibi remained central to their attacks, testing Garrow repeatedly before Marwan Hamdi doubled the lead with a well-timed header from the left.
Substitute Mostafa Zeko sealed the result late on with a composed finish in the 85th minute, sending Pyramids FC to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™.
For Auckland City, the result ends their campaign, but the performance showed resilience against high-quality opposition. For Pyramids, the win keeps alive their bid for a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ finals later this year.
HT: 1-0
Pyramids FC: 3 (Walid ELKARTY 14’, Marwan HAMDI 74’, Mostafa ZIKO 85’)
Auckland City FC: 0