How a provincial club transformed into an African football powerhouse

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a struggling side from Beni Suef, Pyramids FC has undergone a radical metamorphosis. Through strategic acquisitions and a high-profile relocation to Cairo, this Egyptian club has risen from the lower divisions to claim the continent's most prestigious trophy.

The club's journey began in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport, based in Beni Suef. Its early years in the Egyptian football pyramid were marked by volatility; after earning promotion to the Premier League in 2014, the club suffered immediate relegation after finishing 19th. It took several seasons of rebuilding, including a Second Division title in 2016–17, to stabilize its position in the top flight.

A pivotal shift occurred in the summer of 2018 when Turki Al-Sheikh, then Chairman of the Saudi Sports Authority, purchased the club. This era brought a complete rebranding to Pyramids FC and a move to New Cairo. The ownership changed again in July 2019, when Emirati businessman Salem Al Shamsi acquired the club, fueling a period of rapid continental ascent.

Pyramids' impact on African football has been swift. After qualifying for the 2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup, they reached the final, narrowly losing 1–0 to Morocco's RS Berkane. The club's momentum culminated in the 2024–25 season, where they achieved a historic milestone by defeating South African side Orlando Pirates to reach the Champions League final. They completed their ascent by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns with a 3–2 aggregate victory to claim their first CAF Champions League title.

While the men's team dominates the headlines, the club's expansion includes a women's team established in 2022, currently competing in the Egyptian Women's Premier League.

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