Egypt's Pyramids FC continued their bid towards their first ever title after a quickfire second-half double sent them to the African Confederation Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Guinea's AC Horoya on Tuesday. After a turgid first half, substitute Ibrahim Hassan ended Horoya's resistance with his first touch after coming off the bench in the 74th minute, before veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said added the second with a delightful curler one minute later. Pyramids set up a final with Moroccan side RS Berkane on Sunday as they chase their first ever glory, having had their fortunes turned around after foreign owners took charge of the team, formerly known as Assiouty Sport, more than two years ago. They are now owned by Emirati businessman Salem Al-Shamsi, with the club already making some big-name acquisitions for the new season, including signing Huddersfield Town winger Ramadan Sobhi after snatching him from under the noses of Cairo powerhouses Ahly. Pyramids, who will also challenge Zamalek for the Egyptian Premier League's second place in the final round of the season at the end of this month, initially struggled against Horoya, with their lethargic display in the final third hampering them. But they had a chance to break the deadlock in the 37th minute when Burkinabe winger Eric Traore exchanged passes with El-Said and broke clear, squaring the ball to the onrushing Omar Gaber, whose low shot was cleared off the line by a defender. They were also awarded a penalty on the hour mark, only for Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema to overturn his decision following a VAR review. Goal-scoring chances were scarce but Ibrahim Hassan made an instant impact following his introduction, ghosting behind the defence on the right hand side of the area to receive Gaber's threaded pass with a first-time low shot that went between the legs of keeper Moussa Camara and into the net. El-Said then ended the match as a contest when he cut inside and planted an unstoppable curling shot into the far corner of the net. Horoya had the ball in the net with five minutes remaining but the goal was chalked off for offside after a VAR check, with Pyramids protecting their lead in the final stages to secure a precious win. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
