Pyramids FC were crowned CAF Champions League winners for the first time after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of the final in Cairo, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy gave the Egyptian club a commanding lead at the 30 June Stadium, before Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for the South African side to set up a nervy finish.
Sundowns pushed hard for a late equaliser, but Pyramids held on to become the fourth Egyptian club to lift Africa’s top club prize – joining Al Ahly, Zamalek and Ismaily.
It marks a historic achievement for Pyramids, who were formed in 2018 and have now won their second major trophy, adding to the Egypt Cup they lifted in 2022.
With the tie level at 1-1 following the first leg in Pretoria, both teams started cautiously. But a defensive mistake from Sundowns gifted the hosts the opener after 23 minutes.
Grant Kekana miscontrolled a cross from the right, allowing Mayele to fire home first time from close range past Ronwen Williams.
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Sundowns nearly levelled on the stroke of half-time when Lucas Ribeiro set up Tashreeq Matthews, but Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shenawy made a vital save to keep his side ahead.
Pyramids extended their lead shortly before the hour mark. Mohamed Chibi’s free-kick found Samy unmarked in the box, and the defender made no mistake with a diving header to make it 2-0.
Samy celebrating his goal for Pyramids against Sundown’s in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final in Cairo. Photo Credit: X
The South African champions responded with a flurry of substitutions, including the introduction of Peter Shalulile and Thapelo Morena, as they chased a way back into the contest.
They were rewarded in the 76th minute when Rayners capitalised on a poor clearance and saw his deflected effort beat Al Shenawy.
A lengthy VAR review followed, with Shalulile appearing to be in an offside position in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.
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Sundowns pressed for a late equaliser and nearly found one when Shalulile was denied at close range by Al Shenawy in the closing stages. However, even 10 minutes of added time proved insufficient for the South Africans, who fell just short.
Pyramids celebrating their win against Sundown’s in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final in Cairo. Photo Credit: X
Pyramids’ victory marks the first time a new club has won the Champions League since Sundowns themselves triumphed in 2016.
Their rise from relative obscurity to continental champions in just seven years underlines the growing competitiveness of African club football and adds a new chapter to Egypt’s proud footballing history.
Sundowns, meanwhile, are left to reflect on missed opportunities after another strong campaign ended in disappointment at the final hurdle.
