When Pyramids FC lifted the trophy at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on September 23, 2025, the roar from the 45,000‑strong crowd was unmistakable – a blend of Egyptian pride and Saudi excitement.
It wasn’t just any win. Fiston Mayele, the Congolese striker, completed a perfect hat‑trick, turning a tightly contested final into a 3‑1 victory over Al Ahli Jeddah. The match was the decisive encounter of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025Jeddah, a brand‑new FIFA tournament pitting continental champions against each other.
Why this final mattered
The new inter‑continental showdown was created to give fans a taste of the "World Cup of clubs" without the logistical nightmare of a full‑scale global competition. It brings together the winners of the CAF Champions League, the AFC Champions League Elite, and the Oceania, North and South American representatives in a single‑elimination format.
For Pyramids FC, it meant defending a title they snatched just months earlier against an Asian rival. For Al Ahli Jeddah, it was a debut on the FIFA stage after clinching the AFC Champions League Elite earlier that year.
Road to the final
Pyramids FC arrived in Jeddah riding a wave of domestic dominance. They secured their CAF Champions League crown in May, beating Swiss side Basel 2‑1 in a tense final. A week later, they dispatched New Zealand’s Auckland City 3‑0 in a pre‑final play‑off, showcasing tactical flexibility that would later frustrate the Saudi side.
Al Ahli Jeddah, meanwhile, had surprised many by top‑scoring the AFC competition, netting 27 goals en route to the Elite title. Their manager, Mohammed Al‑Saeed, vowed that "this tournament is the next step for Saudi clubs to prove they belong on the global stage."
Match highlights
- 21:00 – The stadium lights blaze on a brisk desert evening; the kickoff is taken by Al Ahli.
- 12′ – Mayele darts onto a low cross from midfielder Mohamed Hassan and slots it past goalkeeper Saud Al‑Yousef. 1‑0.
- 37′ – Al Ahli equalises after a swift counter‑attack; forward Abdulaziz Al‑Mousa headers in from a corner. 1‑1.
- 58′ – Mayele restores the lead, finishing a one‑two with winger Ahmed Nasser. 2‑1.
- 81′ – The hat‑trick is sealed; Mayele curls a free‑kick from 25 metres into the top corner. 3‑1.
The final whistle triggered a cascade of celebrations. Coach Hossam El‑Banna shouted, "We've shown African football can dominate any continent when we play with heart. This is just the beginning for Egyptian clubs on the world stage."
Reactions from the sidelines
Al Ahli’s captain, Fahad Al‑Qadi, was gracious in defeat: "We gave it our all, and while the result hurts, the experience will push Saudi clubs forward. The standards are rising, and we’ll be back stronger."
FIFA’s Director of Club Competitions, Laura García, praised the tournament’s debut, saying, "The Intercontinental Cup delivers the excitement fans crave and provides a platform for clubs from every confederation to test themselves. Tonight's match proved the concept works."
Impact on African and Asian club football
The triumph cements Pyramids FC as a rising powerhouse in African football, joining the ranks of Al Ahly and Esperance in terms of continental success. Their back‑to‑back Intercontinental Cup wins also give the CAF a stronger voice in future FIFA club‑competition negotiations.
For the AFC, Al Ahli's respectable showing, despite the loss, underscores the growing competitiveness of Saudi clubs abroad. Analysts expect the Saudi Professional League to invest further in infrastructure and youth development to keep pace.
What's next for the champions?
With the title secured, Pyramids FC will return to Cairo to prepare for the upcoming Egyptian Premier League season. The club’s board announced a $12 million increase in the squad’s wage budget, aiming to retain key talents like Mayele and attract new marquee signings.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, is slated to compete in the AFC Champions League knockout stage in early 2026, where they hope to translate the lessons learned in Jeddah into continental glory.
Key Facts
- Event: FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 (final)
- Date: September 23, 2025
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
- Final Score: Pyramids FC 3 – 1 Al Ahli Jeddah
- Man of the Match: Fiston Mayele (hat‑trick)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the victory affect Pyramids FC’s standing in African football?
The win reinforces Pyramids FC’s position as one of Africa’s elite clubs, matching the trophy haul of long‑standing giants like Al Ahly. It also boosts their UEFA club coefficient, potentially easing future draws in continental competitions.
What does Al Ahli Jeddah gain from its first FIFA club competition appearance?
Beyond the experience of playing against top African opposition, Al Ahli secures valuable exposure for its players and sponsors. The match generated over 3 million concurrent livestream viewers on FIFA Plus, raising the club’s international profile.
Will the Intercontinental Cup replace any existing FIFA tournaments?
No. FIFA intends the Intercontinental Cup to sit alongside the Club World Cup, offering an additional showcase for continental champions. It may later influence the format of the Club World Cup but does not replace it.
When and where can fans watch a replay of the final?
A full‑length replay is available on FIFA Plus with English commentary. The platform streams the match on demand, and a highlights reel was broadcast on regional sports channels the following day.
What are the next steps for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2026?
FIFA plans to expand the tournament to eight teams in 2026, adding the CONCACAF and OFC champions. Qualifying matches are slated for early 2026, with the finals expected in a neutral Asian venue later that year.
4 Comments
Sara Lohmaier October 1, 2025 AT 21:28
This victory proves the rightful dominance of African football over the rest of the world and underscores the moral responsibility of clubs to embody excellence without compromising cultural integrity.
Sara Lohmaier October 13, 2025 AT 11:15
What a spectacular display of raw talent and relentless ambition! The hat‑trick was not just a goal tally but a theatrical masterpiece that left the entire stadium breathless.
Sara Lohmaier October 25, 2025 AT 01:01
Honestly I cant stop thinking about how Mayele just turned the whole match into a thing of pure joy. The first goal felt like a sudden burst of sunshine after a long desert night. When he scored the second, i was like wow this kid is unstoppable. The crowd reaction was something you only see in movies where the fans scream like theyve won the world cup. I really love how the team moved as a single organism, each pass was like a heartbeat. The free‑kick in the 81st minute was pure art, the curve was so perfect it looked like a painting. The way the Saudi defence tried to close him down but kept missing reminded me of a cat chasing its own tail. Even the Al Ahli players seemed to respect his skill, you could see the admiration in their eyes. The coaches on both sides were shouting, but the players just kept dancing around the ball. It was a reminder that football is more than a game it is culture, emotion, and history combined. I think this win will inspire many young kids in Egypt and Congo to chase their dreams. The trophy lift at King Abdullah Sports City was glorious, lights flashing like fireworks. The chants from the Egyptian supporters echoed across the stadium, a sound that will stay in my mind forever. The match also showed how African clubs can compete on equal footing with Asian giants, breaking old stereotypes. I hope the Intercontinental Cup keeps growing and gives more clubs these unforgettable moments. All in all, this final was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and pure football magic.
Sara Lohmaier November 5, 2025 AT 14:48
It is noteworthy how the coaching staff orchestrated the tactical adjustments after the early equaliser, allowing Pyramids FC to regain control of possession and exploit the flanks with precision.