Pyramids FC Shatter Sundowns’ CAF Champions League Hopes in Cairo
Bradley Chagoya 
Pyramids FC were crowned CAF Champions League champions for the first time in the club’s history after a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo on Sunday night.
Heading into the decisive second leg, Sundowns made just one change to their starting lineup, recalling Jayden Adams for Arthur Sales. Pyramids also made a single adjustment, with Ramadan Sobhi brought into the side.
The South African visitors dominated possession in the early moments, but were nearly caught off guard when Fiston Mayele fired narrowly into the side-netting. Mayele would soon make up for that miss, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Grant Kekana in the box to fire home a powerful finish past Ronwen Williams.
Pyramids took control of the match after the opener and almost doubled their lead when Sobhi’s header from a corner forced a key save from Williams.
Just before halftime, Sundowns were presented with a golden opportunity to equalize. Lucas Ribeiro slipped Tashreeq Matthews through on goal, but the attacker was unable to beat Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy in a one-on-one situation.
Sundowns came out firing after the break, showing greater urgency. Teboho Mokoena tested El Shenawy with a fierce long-range strike, but the shot-stopper was equal to the effort.
Despite Sundowns’ momentum, Pyramids struck again—this time from a well-delivered free-kick that Ahmed Samy headed home from close range, giving the Egyptian side a 2-0 lead.
The Brazilians responded by introducing fresh attacking options, with Peter Shalulile, Thapelo Morena, and Arthur Sales all coming off the bench. Their pressure eventually paid off when Iqraam Rayners smashed in a volley following a scramble in the box. The goal was confirmed after a brief VAR review.
Sundowns nearly grabbed a late equalizer through Shalulile, but El Shenawy produced another vital save to deny the striker from close range.
Despite a determined push in the final minutes, including a lengthy spell of stoppage time, Sundowns were unable to break through again. Pyramids held firm to seal a famous 2-1 win and lift their first CAF Champions League trophy.
