Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated after a 1-1 draw with Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final on Saturday night, as the Egyptian side came from behind to snatch a crucial away result at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The South African champions made a dream start to the final, taking the lead just 10 minutes in through Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilian forward finished off a fluid Sundowns move, collecting a precise through-ball from Themba Zwane before calmly sliding it past Ahmed El Shenawy for his sixth goal of the tournament.
With the early breakthrough, Rulani Mokwena’s side looked in control. They dictated possession, pressed relentlessly, and created several openings as they searched for a second goal. Neo Maema and Teboho Mokoena both had chances to extend the lead, but a mix of poor finishing and solid defending by Pyramids denied them.
Pyramids, however, weathered the storm and slowly found their rhythm. The Egyptian club remained compact and disciplined, gradually pushing forward as the match progressed. Their patience paid dividends in the 73rd minute when Walid El Karti ghosted into the box to meet Ramadan Sobhi’s inviting cross, heading home the equaliser and silencing the Pretoria crowd.
The momentum shifted after the goal, with Pyramids threatening to steal a dramatic winner. Fiston Mayele had a late chance to put them ahead, but Ronwen Williams stood firm in goal to ensure the home side didn’t suffer further damage.
The result hands Pyramids a slight edge heading into the decisive second leg in Cairo, where the away goal could prove pivotal. For Sundowns, the draw was a missed opportunity as they seek their second CAF Champions League title, having last lifted the trophy in 2016.
The second leg of the final will take place on Saturday, May 31, at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt, where the 2024/25 continental champions will be crowned.
