In a pulsating first leg of the African Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pyramids FC delivered a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to deny Mamelodi Sundowns a crucial home victory. The match ended 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Cairo on 1 June.
The South African hosts looked set to take a commanding advantage after Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Sundowns, buoyed by a passionate crowd of over 50,000, had dominated large parts of the second half and appeared on course to deliver a knockout blow to the Egyptian side.
However, Pyramids—only founded in 2008 and rapidly rising through African football’s ranks thanks to Saudi Arabian investment since 2018—refused to buckle under the pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 94th minute when Walid El Karti rose highest to meet a precise cross from Mohanad Lasheen and headed past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, silencing the South African fans and sparking wild celebrations from the visitors.
The late goal dramatically shifts the balance in the tie. With the away goals rule still in effect, Pyramids now hold a vital advantage heading into the decisive match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Alongside continental glory, the winners will also receive a lucrative $4 million prize, adding further stakes to this exciting showdown.
Sundowns Start Strong But Miss Opportunities
The match began with Sundowns controlling possession and pressing hard, determined to use their home advantage. Yet, it was Pyramids who fashioned the clearest early chances. Despite having limited support in the stands, the visitors showed composure, creating three notable chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Fiston Mayele, the tournament’s joint top scorer, was central to their attacks but was unable to convert. Twice he missed the target and once was flagged offside, frustrating Pyramids’ hopes of taking the lead before halftime.
As the game wore on, the momentum shifted. Pyramids began to retreat, ceding possession to the hosts, who intensified their pressure early in the second half. Ahmed Atef received a yellow card for time-wasting, highlighting Pyramids’ defensive focus as they sought to protect their slim advantage.
Ribeiro’s Goal Sparks Home Crowd
In the 53rd minute, the deadlock was finally broken. Angelo Stiller’s clever pass set up Lucas Ribeiro, who followed up a shot and neatly tucked the rebound into the net from close range. The goal ignited the sea of yellow-clad Sundowns supporters, who believed their team was on the brink of victory.
Despite controlling much of the second half, Sundowns struggled to add to their tally. Pyramids’ defensive resilience and tactical discipline limited further clear chances for the hosts.
El Karti’s Late Header Changes Everything
Just when the final appeared to be drifting towards a Sundowns win, Pyramids struck with a late flourish. In stoppage time, Mohanad Lasheen’s precise cross found Walid El Karti, who powered a header past Ronwen Williams. The strike sparked jubilant celebrations for the visitors and stunned the packed stadium.
Manager Krunoslav Jurcic praised his team’s resilience after the match: “We came here as underdogs but showed great character to get this result. The away goal is very important, and we look forward to the second leg in Cairo.”
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
Mamelodi Sundowns, a dominant force in South African football with a record-extending eighth consecutive domestic title, now face a challenging task in Egypt. Their strong home performance has been tempered by Pyramids’ late equaliser and the pressure of the away goals rule.
Pyramids, meanwhile, are determined to complete their rise in African football by capturing their first Champions League title. Despite a smaller fanbase compared to Cairo rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek, they have steadily built a reputation as a formidable side in continental competitions.
The final showdown at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium promises to be an intense battle, with both sides aware that the winner will etch their name into African football history.
Match Details
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Attendance: Over 50,000
- Final Score: Mamelodi Sundowns 1 – 1 Pyramids
- Goals:
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Lucas Ribeiro (53’)
- Pyramids: Walid El Karti (94’)
With the second leg looming on 1 June, fans across Africa eagerly await the conclusion of this gripping continental final.
