Krunoslav Jurčić: "For me, Pyramids won 2-0 against Orlando Pirates"

Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić, the head coach of Egyptian club Pyramids FC, believes that his side deserved a 2-0 victory over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates despite the match officially ending in a goalless draw.

Pyramids were held to a 0-0 draw by Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals.

During the match, the referee disallowed two goals for Pyramids — the first scored by Fiston Mayele in the first half and the second by Sodiq Awujoola in the second half.

After the match, Jurčić expressed both pride and frustration in his post-match comments: “I am really proud. We played an excellent match, we scored two goals. For me, I won today 2-0. I like Africa, but not on this day.”

He added: “Now, it's early to speak about the match in Egypt. We will play our way — that’s what I said before the match.”

He further stated: “I repeat, I am really proud of how my players played today, how many chances they created.”

Pyramids coach expressed frustration: “I am frustrated. It’s very difficult to speak now.”

Jurčić concluded about not scoring goals despite the chances created: "Football is like this. For me as a coach, it’s important that my team creates the chances — some you score and some you don’t — but generally I am very satisfied.”

Pyramids will now look ahead to the return leg in Cairo, where they aim to secure a place in the final of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.