Mamelodi Sundowns were moments away from a crucial first-leg win in the CAF Champions League final before Pyramids FC struck a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.
The match ended 1-1 in Pretoria, leaving the second leg in Cairo finely balanced and full of anticipation.
The South African giants had looked in control for much of the second half, and Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro’s 53rd-minute strike seemed set to give the home side the advantage. He reacted quickly to bury a rebound from close range, sending the packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium into celebration mode.
However, in the 94th minute, Walid El Karti silenced the home crowd after heading in a cross from Mohanad Lasheen. The goal, coming in a tournament where the away goals rule still applies, could prove decisive for the Egyptian side.
Formed in 2008 and transformed by Saudi ownership since 2018, Pyramids have emerged as a growing power in African football. Now, they have a realistic shot at their first continental title and the lucrative $4 million prize.
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Sundowns, meanwhile, were eyeing a second Champions League title after eliminating 12-time winners Al Ahly in the semi-finals. They will head to Cairo after securing Club World Cup qualification, but their continental victory now hangs by a thread.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, the hosts were unable to keep Pyramids quiet. The Egyptian side carved out clear chances, although Fiston Mayele failed to convert any, twice shooting off target and once flagged offside.
As the match wore on, Pyramids visibly lost composure and dropped deeper into their half. In fact, Ahmed Atef was booked for time-wasting just three minutes into the second half.
While Ribeiro’s goal briefly shifted momentum in Sundowns’ favour, the hosts couldn’t extend their lead. And as they failed to kill the tie, El Karti’s last-gasp heroics gave Pyramids a precious away goal.
Going forward, the decisive second leg is set for June 1 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The North African hostile atmosphere could tip the balance in Pyramids’ favour as they dream of continental glory.
Tags: Mamelodi Sundowns, Pyramids, CAF Champions League, Walid El Karti, Ribeiro, Fiston Mayele, Mohanad Lasheen, 30 June stadium, Al Ahly, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Ahmed Atef, Cairo.
