How the match went
The hosts made a strong start and took control early. Ahmed Kutucu opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Rizespor a deserved lead. They doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark through Ali Sowe, leaving Pyramids with a mountain to climb at 2-0.
The Egyptian side improved after the break and pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through Da Silva, reducing the deficit and injecting some tension into the closing stages. Despite late pressure and a few promising moments, Pyramids could not find an equaliser. Rizespor managed the game professionally and saw out the 2-1 win in front of their home supporters.
Context for both sides
For Rizespor, this was the last friendly of their pre-season programme. The victory provided a positive note ahead of the new Trendyol Süper Lig campaign and allowed coach Recep Uçar to give minutes to key players while testing the squad in competitive conditions.
For Pyramids FC, the result closes a training camp in Turkey that has formed an important part of their preparations for the new Egyptian season and continental commitments. The side under Rulani Mokwena has been reshaping its squad, with several new faces and returning players being integrated. A defeat in the final friendly is never ideal, but these matches are primarily about fitness, cohesion and tactical experimentation rather than pure results.
Pyramids will now turn their full attention to domestic duties and the challenges that lie ahead in the Egyptian Premier League and CAF competitions. The Turkey trip has given the coaching staff useful data on player readiness and areas that still need sharpening before competitive action intensifies.
A competitive evening in Rize ends with a loss, but the real work for the new campaign is only just beginning.