Sundowns and Pyramids Draw in First Leg
South African side Mamelodi Sundowns drew 1-1 with Egyptian side Pyramids FC this Saturday in Pretoria. Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring in the 54th minute, but Walid El Karti equalized in the 90th minute. The second leg will take place on June 4st at the 1th of June Stadium in Cairo. Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns' Portuguese coach, is facing his second consecutive final of the competition.
The African Champions League final kicked off with intensity at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Sundowns, the reigning South African champions, dominated possession but failed to secure victory. Pyramids FC, backed by Saudi investors, showed great resilience by securing a draw. The draw keeps both teams' title hopes alive.
Miguel Cardoso, who lost the final to Esperance de Tunis last season, is now seeking his first continental title. The Portuguese coach became the eighth Portuguese coach to reach the final, following in the footsteps of Manuel José and Jaime Pacheco. The Egyptian team, founded in 2008, aims to lift the trophy for the first time in its history.
Lucas Ribeiro's goal came after a persistent effort in the Egyptian box, with the Brazilian finishing with a well-placed shot. However, the Sundowns defense faltered on a cross in the 90+4 minute, allowing El Karti to head home. The result reflects the evenly matched performance between the two teams, who will now meet again in Cairo in two weeks.
The Decisive Gameo
The first half was marked by tactical study, with both teams avoiding defensive risks. Sundowns controlled 62% of possession, but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities. Pyramids FC relied on quick counterattacks, utilizing the speed of Fagrie Lakay and Mostafa Fathi. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood out with two important saves before halftime.
In the 54th minute, Lucas Ribeiro pounced on a rebound in the box after a shot from Peter Shalulile. The Brazilian adjusted his body and placed the ball into the left corner of the net, out of reach of goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy. The home team's effusive celebration suggested victory was imminent, but fate had twists and turns in store.
The South Africans pressed to increase their lead, with Shalulile wasting two clear chances in the 67th and 73rd minutes. Pyramids responded in the 80th minute, replacing the injured Ramadan Sobhi with Mohanad Lasheen. The change proved crucial: Lasheen crossed from the right in the 90+4 minute, and El Karti was left alone to head home.
The stadium, previously ecstatic, fell silent after the Egyptian goal. The draw keeps Pyramids in the title race, thanks to the away goals rule (abolished in 2021). Miguel Cardoso's team will need a win or a draw with goals in Cairo to lift the trophy.
Historical Contexto
Sundowns are seeking their second African Champions League title, following their historic triumph in 2016. The South African club is the country's only representative at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Pyramids FC, financially backed by Saudi investors since 2018, aims to cement its position as a continental powerhouse.
Miguel Cardoso follows in the footsteps of Manuel José, a Portuguese legend with four African titles at Al Ahly. Portugal's presence in the final is the eighth time, highlighting the influence of Portuguese coaches on the continent. Jaime Pacheco, in 2002, was the last to win with the Egyptian club (Zamalek).
The final in Cairo promises to be a tactical duel, with Pyramids playing at home in front of 30.000 fans. Sundowns boasts experienced players like Williams and Ribeiro, who are decisive in key moments. The winner will collect US$4 million.
Pyramids are playing in the African Champions League for the second time, while Sundowns have participated 17 times, including beating Zamalek of Egypt in the 2016 title decider. After the final, Sundowns will shift their focus to the 2025 Club World Cup in the USA, where they will face Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan of South Korea in Group F.
Conclusiono
The draw in Pretoria leaves the African Champions League final open. Sundowns need to avoid defeat in Cairo to secure the title, while Pyramids are banking on home advantage. Miguel Cardoso faces the challenge of overcoming the trauma of the 2023 final loss.
The competition, which celebrates the best of African football, reinforces the importance of investment and planning for football in Africa. Regardless of the winner, the final in Egypt promises to be a landmark in the continent's history.
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Picture: © 2025 Phill Magakoe / AFP
