Pyramids FC makes history with first CAF Champions League victory

Pyramids FC etched their name into the annals of African football history on Sunday night as they clinched their first-ever CAF Champions League title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

The monumental win, achieved against one of Africa’s most formidable teams, galvanised the Egyptian club’s status on the continental stage. Coming into the final, both teams made minor adjustments to their starting line-ups. Mamelodi Sundowns, known as Masandawana, reinstated Jayden Adams in place of Arthur Sales, while Pyramids opted for Ramadan Sobhi, showcasing the tactical rotations prevalent in high-stakes matches.

The match began with Sundowns asserting their dominance in ball possession, yet they were almost caught off guard when Fiston Mayele narrowly missed the target, directing a floated cross against the side-netting. However, Mayele soon made amends; midway through the first half, he capitalised on a defensive miscue by Grant Kekana in the box, unleashing a thunderous first-time strike that sent the ball sailing beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

With the momentum shifted, Pyramids took command, almost increasing their lead when Sobhi’s header from a corner was met with a stunning save by Williams, keeping Sundowns within striking distance. The end of the first half saw Masandawana faced with a tense moment, as Lucas Ribeiro set up Tashreeq Matthews for what looked to be an equaliser, only for the latter to falter against Pyramids’ Ahmed El Shenawy between the sticks.

After the break, Sundowns returned with renewed vigour, testing Pyramids’ defence with a powerful long-range attempt from Teboho Mokoena, which once again required vigilance from El Shenawy. However, it was Pyramids who would strike next. They extended their advantage when Ahmed Samy found the back of the net with a close-range header off a free-kick taken by Sobhi, amplifying the pressure on the South African side.

Desperate to close the gap, Sundowns made aggressive adjustments, introducing substitutes Peter Shalulile, Thapelo Morena, and Sales in pursuit of a pathway back into the match.

As the clock wound down, the pressure piled on Pyramids as Sundowns sought to exploit any defensive lapses. A last-minute effort from Shalulile almost brought the teams level, but once more, El Shenawy stood tall, providing another crucial save. Despite a vigorous push in the lengthy stoppage time, Pyramids displayed remarkable resilience and held on to their lead, celebrating their dramatic triumph and a historic night in front of jubilant fans.