The stranded Pyramids Club players.

CAIRO, Jan 12: The Egyptian Pyramids Club experienced a serious air emergency during its return flight from Angola to Cairo, resulting in an emergency evacuation at Luanda Airport.

Sources close to the club reported that the plane encountered severe turbulence and a drop in cabin air pressure, causing some mission members, including players and technical staff, to faint.

The flight, which had departed Angola for Cairo, was forced to return to Luanda Airport two hours after takeoff due to unpredictable weather fluctuations and turbulence.

The health of the mission members was promptly assessed, and medical care was provided, though no serious injuries were reported.

This incident has raised concerns about air travel safety in Africa, while the club awaits further announcements regarding the rescheduled flight.

In the match before the emergency, Pyramids secured a crucial victory over Sagrada in Angola, with Marwan Hamdi scoring the only goal to ensure Pyramids' historic qualification for the African Champions League quarter-finals.

Hamdi's goal, assisted by Sadiq Igola in the first minute of stoppage time, propelled Pyramids into the quarter-finals, where they will face Mali’s Djoliba in the final round.

In an official statement, the club explained, "After enduring hours of terror, the Angolan authorities allowed our mission to re-enter the country without a new visa. The mission is currently in Luanda after being forced to return after two hours of flight. The aircraft encountered violent turbulence, causing a drop in air pressure and fainting among some mission members."

The statement continued, "The plane was forced to return to Luanda due to intense weather fluctuations, air pressure drops, and turbulence. Fortunately, the mission avoided further danger while receiving necessary medical care."

It concluded, "All attempts to depart from Angola were unsuccessful as the plane required tests, and weather conditions needed to stabilize. Consequently, the mission returned to the hotel in Luanda and will remain there until a new flight date to Cairo is confirmed."