Pyramids FC have been crowned champions of Africa for the first time in their history, defeating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.
The result secured a 3-2 aggregate win for the Egyptian club, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria.
The Cairo-based side, who were only promoted to the Egyptian Premier League in 2014, have now completed a remarkable rise by adding their name to the elite list of African champions.
They become the fourth different Egyptian club to lift the CAF Champions League trophy, joining Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily—cementing Egypt’s status as the most successful nation in the competition’s history.
Pyramids opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Congolese forward Fiston Mayele found the net to give the hosts an early advantage.
The goal was Mayele’s ninth of the tournament, underlining his pivotal role in Pyramids’ maiden continental campaign.
The home side extended their lead in the 56th minute, as defender Ahmed Samy rose highest to head home a well-weighted cross from Moroccan full-back Mohamed Chibi. The goal sent the capacity crowd into raptures, giving Pyramids a two-goal cushion and firm control of the tie.
Chibi, who started the match alongside compatriot Walid El Karti, was influential down the right flank before being substituted in the 88th minute. El Karti completed the full 90 minutes in midfield, contributing to a disciplined team display.
Sundowns responded in the 75th minute through Iqraam Rayners, who slotted in from close range to reduce the deficit and inject life into the contest.
The South African champions pushed for an equaliser in the final stages, with forwards Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba both seeing attempts blocked during a frantic finale that featured ten minutes of added time.
Despite the pressure, Pyramids held their nerve, with goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy making several crucial interventions to preserve the lead and steer the team to a historic victory.
The win not only marks Pyramids’ first CAF Champions League title but also extends Egypt’s dominance on the continent, following successive wins by Al Ahly in 2023 and 2024.
For Sundowns, the defeat represents their second loss in a Champions League final, having previously fallen to Al Ahly in 2001. Their hopes of adding a second continental crown—eight years after their 2016 triumph—were dashed by a resilient and tactically astute Egyptian outfit.
The result caps a remarkable journey for Pyramids FC, just over a decade after their founding. From domestic contenders to continental champions, the club has firmly established itself as a new force in African football.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
