Late Drama as Pyramids FC and Sundowns Share Spoils in Champions League Final First Leg
Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated after conceding a late equalizer in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
The home side looked set to secure a vital victory after Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s second-half strike gave them the lead in the 54th minute. Costa capitalized on a loose ball in the box, rifling a left-footed shot past Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, sending the Pretoria crowd into raptures.
However, Sundowns’ hopes were dashed in stoppage time when Walid El Karti rose to the occasion, heading home a pinpoint cross from Mohanad Lasheen to level the match. The Moroccan forward’s precise header found the bottom corner, silencing the home fans and securing a crucial away goal for Pyramids.
The first half had been cautious, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities. Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales came close for Sundowns, while Pyramids’ Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel tested the resolve of Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with speculative shots.
As the match progressed, Sundowns had chances to extend their lead, but substitute Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema were unable to convert late opportunities, leaving the door open for Pyramids.
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Cairo on June 1, where the new CAF Champions League trophy will be lifted for the first time. Pyramids remain unbeaten in the knockout stages, marking a significant achievement in their debut final appearance.
For Sundowns, the disappointment of conceding late will be tempered by a solid performance that bodes well for the decisive encounter. With the match broadcast in over 28 international territories, the draw showcased the quality of African club football to a global audience.
Both teams will now focus on preparations for the crucial second leg, where history is set to be made in the continent’s premier club competition.
