Pyramids and Zamalek secured their places in the CAF Champions League group stage, beating South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu and Rwanda’s APR.

Abdelrahman Magdy scored twice as Pyramids completed a 5-0 aggregate victory, while Ahmed Sherif’s first-minute goal gave Zamalek a second successive 1-0 win over APR and a 2-0 aggregate success.

Zamalek return to the group stage for the first time since the 2022-23 season, while Pyramids, the 2025 champions, remain in contention for a second continental title.

Magdy Double Sends Pyramids Through

Pyramids took control at the Air Defence Stadium with two goals in five minutes. Abdelrahman Magdy opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and added his second in the 28th, leaving the visitors three goals behind on aggregate.

Mostafa Fathy made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, before substitute Nadhir Benbouali added the fourth in the 71st minute.

Benbouali’s evening ended shortly afterwards when he went off injured. Having used all five substitutions, Rulani Mokwena’s side finished the match with ten players.

Pyramids medical chief Mostafa El-Moniry said an initial examination indicated a hamstring tear. The Algerian striker will undergo further tests and scans to establish the extent of the injury and his rehabilitation programme.

Ahmed El-Shenawy preserved the clean sheet with a late save from an El Merriekh forward who had broken through on goal.

Pyramids had taken a one-goal advantage into the return leg after Mahmoud Saber scored the winner in Juba.

Sherif Strikes Early for Zamalek

At Cairo International Stadium, Sherif needed less than a minute to put Zamalek ahead. Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh released Omar Gaber, whose low cross found Sherif for a finish through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Zamalek created chances to extend their lead but could not add to the opener. Mohamed Hamad fired over early on, while APR’s goalkeeper denied Dabbagh from inside the penalty area.

Gaber also intervened to prevent an APR goal shortly before half-time, helping Zamalek retain their advantage.

Moatamed Gamal introduced Chico Banza, Ahmed Rabie, Adam Kaied and Hossam Ashraf during the second half, but the score remained unchanged.

Nasser Mansi’s late winner in Kigali had given Zamalek their first-leg lead. Both clubs advanced without conceding across the two legs, building on their .

The group stage is scheduled to begin on 27-29 November.