Cairo-based Pyramids FC secured their maiden CAF Champions League trophy following a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the final at Egypt’s 30 June Stadium on Sunday night.
The two-legged final ended 3-2 on aggregate after the teams drew 1-1 at Loftus Versfeld in the first leg. Pyramids took control early in the second leg with goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy within the first hour. Mayele opened the scoring in the 24th minute after capitalising on a Sundowns defensive error. This marked his ninth goal in the competition and continued his strong record against South African teams.
Ahmed Samy doubled the lead just 11 minutes into the second half, heading home a free-kick delivered by Mohamed Chibi. Sundowns fought back late in the game when Iqraam Rayners scored in the 75th minute, but the home side held firm to deny the South African champions an equaliser.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made limited changes to his starting lineup, including the surprise decision to start without Lebo Mothiba, who came off the bench in the 78th minute. Despite Sundowns showing improved attacking play in the second half, they could not break through Pyramids’ defence.
The two teams had only met three times before this final, with Sundowns winning once and two draws recorded. This defeat adds to a tough run for Cardoso, who also lost last season’s final with Tunisian club Espérance against another Egyptian team, Al Ahly.
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