By Victor Kanayo
Pyramids FC of Egypt pipped South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to clinch their first-ever CAF Champions League title after a pulsating second-leg final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.
Having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Pretoria, the Egyptian side secured a 3-2 aggregate win, becoming the fourth different club from Egypt to win Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
Fellow country clubs – Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily have won the diadem in a feat unmatched by any other nation.
High Pitch Action
Pyramids began with purpose in front of a passionate home crowd, taking the lead in the 23rd minute through their prolific striker Fiston Mayele, who rifled a low shot into the far corner after a clever move on the right side.
The goal marked his ninth in the competition and confirmed his status as one of the key figures in Pyramids’ historic run.
The home side doubled their lead shortly after the restart when defender Ahmed Samy rose highest to head home from a Mohamed Chibi cross in the 56th minute, sending the Cairo crowd into a frenzy.
Sundowns’ Resilience
Despite trailing by two goals, Sundowns showed resilience.
Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for the South African champions in the 75th minute with a composed finish from close range, setting up a tense finale.
Miguel Cardoso’s side pushed forward relentlessly in the final minutes, with Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba both having efforts blocked in a frantic closing stretch that saw 10 minutes of added time.
However, Pyramids held firm, thanks in large part to the heroics of goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy and a composed defensive performance.
Historic Feat Only In 10 Years Of Existence
The result marks the first time Pyramids have lifted the continental trophy, a decade after the club’s founding.
It also ensures Egypt maintains its hold on African football’s crown for a third consecutive year following Al Ahly’s triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
On the other hand, it was a night of heartbreak for Sundowns, who were seeking their second CAF title and aiming to become the first side since Al Ahly in 2012 to win after failing to secure a home-leg advantage in the final.
Instead, the Brazilians suffer their second defeat in a Champions League final, 24 years after losing to Al Ahly in 2001.
Super Cup Titanic Clash Set
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC will take on Morocco’s RS Berkane in the upcoming CAF Super Cup.
The date and venue of the CAF Super Cup fixture will be announced by CAF in the coming days, but the match is already building up as a clash of champions.
Pyramids will represent the Champions League, while Berkane booked their place after winning the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup.
The fixture will be a reunion of sorts, as Pyramids lost to Berkane in the 2020 Confederation Cup final – a result they will be eager to avenge.
