Pyramids FC secured their first-ever CAF Champions League title after edging Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of the final at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium on Sunday evening. The 3-2 aggregate victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the Egyptian hosts.
The home side took control early, with goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy giving Pyramids a 2-0 lead on the night. Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners struck late to make it a tense finish, but the South African team fell short of overturning the aggregate score.
The match started cautiously, with both teams canceling each other out in the first 20 minutes. However, Pyramids capitalized on a defensive error from Sundowns’ Grant Kekana midway through the first half. Mayele seized on a loose ball and fired a first-time shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to break the deadlock.
Despite Sundowns’ attempts to respond, including a missed chance deep in injury time before halftime, Pyramids doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Mohamed Chibi’s free-kick delivery found an unmarked Ahmed Samy, who powered a close-range diving header into the net.
In response, Sundowns made three attacking substitutions at the 64th minute, switching to a more aggressive lineup. They nearly pulled one back through a Teboho Mokoena free kick, expertly saved by Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shenawy.
The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Iqraam Rayners scored following a deflected shot after capitalizing on a poor clearance. Although the goal was reviewed for a potential offside involving Peter Shalulile, VAR confirmed the strike stood.
Sundowns pressed fiercely in the final moments, with Shalulile nearly equalizing, but Al Shenawy’s close-range save and a late offside flag denied the visitors a second goal. Even after 10 minutes of added time, Sundowns couldn’t find the crucial equalizer.
Pyramids’ victory marks them as the fourth Egyptian club to lift the prestigious trophy, joining Al Ahly (12 titles), Zamalek (5), and Ismaily (1). They are also the first team to win the Champions League for the first time since Sundowns in 2016.
Final Score:
Pyramids FC 2 (Mayele 24’, Samy 56’)
Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (Rayners 75’)
Aggregate: Pyramids FC 3–2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Pyramids Starting XI: Shenawy, Chibi (Tawfik 88’), Marei, Samy, Hamdi, Lasheen, Toure (Gabr 90+2’), Atef, El Karti, Sobhi (Adel 78’), Mayele
Mamelodi Sundowns Starting XI: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa (Morena 64’), Modiba (Lunga 46’), Allende, Mokoena, Adams (Sales 64’), Matthews (Shalulile 64’), Ribeiro, Rayners (Mothiba 78’)
