Mamelodi Sundowns were minutes away from heading to Egypt with a lead. However, a dramatic late goal turned the tide.
Pyramids FC held the South African giants to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Now, the decisive second leg takes place in Cairo at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday, 1 June.
Sundowns Surrender Advantage Late On
Sundowns (2.95) took the lead in Pretoria through Lucas Ribeiro Costa early in the second half. The Brazilian forward’s calm finish looked set to give the 2016 champions the edge in this two-legged tie. However, Walid El Karti’s stoppage-time equaliser stunned the hosts.
That goal was not just a morale boost for Pyramids, but a crucial moment due to the away goals rule still being used in the CAF Champions League. The 1-1 draw means Sundowns must now score at least once in Egypt to stand any chance of lifting the trophy. They need a win or a high-scoring draw to edge their opponents.
Interestingly, it was a similar late moment that got Sundowns to the final in the first place. A dramatic equaliser away against Al Ahly in Cairo during the semi-finals saw them progress on away goals after a goalless first leg. Now, they must find a way to prevent another Cairo team from benefiting from the same rule.
Pyramids Push for History
This final is uncharted territory for Pyramids FC (2.21). The Egyptian side has never won the Champions League. However, since rebranding from Al Assiouty Sport in 2018 and relocating to Cairo, their ambition has been clear. The club’s backers have spent heavily to challenge Egypt’s established giants.
Their first major owner, Turki Al-Sheikh, laid the foundation. After Salem Al Shamsi took over in 2019, Pyramids began consistently competing for continental qualification. Reaching this final is already a statement, but winning it would mark a historic turning point.
Al Shamsi recently claimed that Pyramids are now Egypt’s second-biggest club, ahead of Zamalek. While this has sparked debate, a Champions League triumph would offer substance to the claim. Egypt’s traditional powerhouses have long dominated the continental stage. For Pyramids to lift the trophy would signal a potential shift in that balance.
Injury Concerns and Squad Selection
Both teams had injury doubts going into the first leg, but key players have returned. For Pyramids, Abdelrahman Magdy and Ramadan Sobhi were fitness concerns. However, both were on the bench in Pretoria, with Sobhi making a second-half appearance.
Sundowns have also received a boost. Themba Zwane was named on the bench last weekend after recovering from an Achilles problem. Though he did not feature, his availability for the second leg could prove crucial. Rivaldo Coetzee, meanwhile, remains sidelined and was not included in the matchday squad.
With both sides nearing full strength, Sunday’s clash could be decided by moments of brilliance or lapses in concentration. In matches of this magnitude, fitness and focus are equally vital.
CAF Champions League Final: Tactical Battle
Pyramids will be confident on home soil. Players like Ibrahim Adel and Fiston Mayele have led from the front, each scoring five goals in the competition. Their form makes them joint-top scorers alongside Emam Ashour from Al Ahly.
On the other side, Lucas Ribeiro Costa will again be key for Sundowns. His creative spark and calm finishing have helped the South African Premiership champions navigate a difficult path to the final. Themba Zwane’s potential return could also give Sundowns an edge in midfield.
Expect both managers to approach the game with calculated risk. Miguel Cardoso knows his Sundowns side must attack, but cannot afford to be reckless. The same applies to Pyramids coach Jaime Pacheco, who must balance defensive caution with the need to win their first major continental title.
What Is at Stake
This is a defining moment for both clubs. For Sundowns, it is a chance to return to the summit of African soccer after nearly a decade. Their 2016 triumph remains their only Champions League crown, but they have consistently pushed to be Africa’s most modern and data-driven club.
Pyramids, by contrast, are seeking their first taste of continental glory. Victory would not only deliver silverware but also validate their massive financial investment. It would also provide a boost in reputation among Egypt’s soccer elite.
Moreover, there are major implications for online sports betting markets, with tight odds reflecting just how finely poised the tie is. Both sides have shown their strength, and the result is difficult to call.
One thing is certain — this final leg will be watched closely across the continent. With history on the line, the 30 June Stadium is set for a dramatic night.
