Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurcic has appealed to Egyptian football fans to fill the stands for Sunday's CAF Champions League final second leg against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo, as the club chases its first continental title.
Despite representing Egypt on the African stage, the Cairo-based side lacks the mass fanbase enjoyed by city rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek, who often draw 73,000-strong crowds. Pyramids, on the other hand, typically play before only a few thousand supporters.
"We are almost alone. We deserve support we are representing Egypt," said Jurcic, a former Croatia international midfielder, as he urged the public to back the team during this crucial moment.
Pyramids earned a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria last weekend, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Walid El Karti, after Sundowns had taken the lead early in the second half through Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro.
The result puts the Pyramids in a slightly favourable position, especially with Africa still applying the away goals rule. A goalless draw in Cairo would see the Egyptian club crowned champions.