African Champions League Final: Egypt’s Pyramids FC secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns

By iNewsAfrica | Sports Desk | May 25, 2025

Egypt’s Pyramids FC secured a thrilling 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final, with Walid El Karti scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to keep the Egyptians’ title hopes alive ahead of the decisive return leg in Cairo.

• Match Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1–1 Pyramids FC

• Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

• Date: May 24, 2025

• Goal Scorers:

  • Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns, 54’)

  • Walid El Karti (Pyramids, 90+4’)

• Second leg to be played June 1 in Cairo

Pretoria, South Africa – In a pulsating first leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final, Egypt’s Pyramids FC battled back from a goal down to earn a vital 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The match opened with high intensity as both teams vied for continental supremacy. It was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro curled a beautiful left-footed shot past the goalkeeper after capitalizing on a deflected clearance, sending Sundowns fans into a frenzy.

Pyramids FC, appearing in their first-ever Champions League final, refused to back down. The Egyptian side pressed forward relentlessly, creating several dangerous counterattacks in search of an equalizer.

Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, midfielder Walid El Karti rose high to meet a pinpoint cross from Mohanad Lasheen, nodding the ball into the net and silencing the home crowd with a dramatic late equalizer.

With the away goals rule still in effect, the result gives Pyramids FC a slim edge as they prepare to host the second leg in Cairo on June 1 at the 30 June Stadium. The tie remains delicately poised, with both clubs dreaming of continental glory—Sundowns eyeing a second title since 2016, and Pyramids FC hoping to lift their first CAF Champions League trophy.

Next Fixture:
Pyramids FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
30 June Stadium, Cairo
June 1, 2025
CAF Champions League Final – Second Leg

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