Mokwena Is Unstoppable: South African Coach Fires Pyramids Into CAF Champions League Group stage

South African Coach Extends Perfect Record to 12 Wins as Egyptian Giants Qualify for CAF Champions League Group Stages

South African coach Rulani Mokwena continues to make headlines in African football after guiding Pyramids FC into the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stages with an emphatic 5-0 aggregate victory over South Sudanese side El Merriekh Bentiu.

The Egyptian giants sealed their qualification on Saturday, 24 October 2026, following a commanding 4-0 victory in the second leg in Cairo. The result completed a comfortable passage into the next phase after Pyramids had secured a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg away from home.

The achievement marks another significant milestone in Mokwena’s coaching career, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician maintaining an outstanding start since taking charge of the Egyptian club. According to reports, the victory was his 12th consecutive win across all competitions, extending his perfect record to 12 victories from 12 matches.

Pyramids entered the return leg with a slender advantage, but Mokwena’s team wasted little time demonstrating their attacking strength in front of their home supporters.

Abdelrahman Magdi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before finding the net again just five minutes later, putting the hosts firmly in control of the encounter.

The early double gave Pyramids breathing room and left El Merriekh facing an increasingly difficult task. The visitors needed to find a way back into the tie, but the Egyptian side continued to dictate proceedings.

Mostafa Fathi added a third goal in first-half stoppage time, sending Pyramids into the break with a commanding advantage on the night and a comfortable cushion on aggregate.

The hosts showed no intention of easing off after the interval. Nadhir Benbouali scored in the 71st minute to complete the 4-0 victory and confirm Pyramids’ progression with a 5-0 aggregate triumph.

It was a convincing display that reflected the difference between the two sides over the course of the tie. Pyramids combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline to ensure that their opponents never seriously threatened their qualification.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Pyramids’ progress is Mokwena’s extraordinary start at the club.

The 39-year-old South African coach arrived in Egypt with significant expectations following his previous experiences at Mamelodi Sundowns and other African clubs. He has responded with an impressive run of victories that has quickly strengthened his reputation.

His latest success takes his record to 12 wins in 12 matches across all competitions, according to the reported figures. Such consistency is particularly encouraging for Pyramids as they prepare for the challenges of the Champions League group stage and the Egyptian domestic campaign.

Mokwena’s football philosophy has often emphasised possession, attacking movement and tactical organisation. At Pyramids, the early results suggest that his players are responding positively to his methods.

However, the group stage will provide a much tougher examination, with the club expected to face stronger opposition and more demanding tactical challenges.

Pyramids are no strangers to continental success. The Egyptian club won the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final to claim their first title in the competition.

Their qualification for the 2026/27 group stages therefore represents an important step towards another attempt at continental glory.

For Mokwena, the objective will be to translate his remarkable early form into sustained success against Africa’s elite clubs. His experience in South African football and knowledge of continental competition could prove valuable as Pyramids pursue further silverware.

The South African coach will also be aware that maintaining a perfect record over an extended period becomes increasingly difficult as the quality of opposition rises. Nevertheless, the confidence generated by 12 consecutive victories gives his team a strong platform from which to build.

Mokwena’s achievements are also likely to attract attention back home, where supporters continue to follow the progress of South African coaches working beyond the country’s borders.

His qualification with Pyramids provides another reminder of the opportunities available to local coaching talent on the continental stage. While the ultimate measure of success will be trophies and performances in decisive matches, the start he has made in Egypt is undeniably impressive.

For now, Pyramids can celebrate a convincing qualification, while Mokwena’s remarkable run continues.

Source; https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2jhZudJj/

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