Auckland City FC’s campaign in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup ended in Cairo after a 3–0 defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

The hosts made a fast start and went ahead in the 15th minute when Ewerton’s cross was finished at close range by Walid El Karti. City keeper Nathan Garrow pulled off a number of sharp saves to keep his team in the game, and the Navy Blues reached half-time only a goal down.

After the break, Auckland showed real spirit. Dylan Manickum came close to levelling the score, and for a spell the Navy Blues pushed the African champions back. But as they chased an equaliser, Pyramids struck twice more.

Marwan Hamdy’s powerful header in the 74th minute doubled the lead, before Mostafa Ziko added a third ten minutes later to seal the result and confirm City’s exit from the competition.

This marked Auckland City FC’s final international match of 2025, with the focus now shifting to the Dettol National League Championship, which kicks off on the weekend of 27 September.

Article added: Monday 15 September 2025