Pyramids FC of Egypt secured their maiden CAF Champions League title on Sunday with a 2–1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, clinching the trophy 3–2 on aggregate in front of a home crowd at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium.
In only their second appearance in Africa’s premier club competition, Pyramids rose to the occasion with goals from Fiston Mayele in the 23rd minute and Ahmed Samy in the 56th. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for Sundowns in the 75th minute, but the visitors were unable to find the decisive second goal that would have handed them the title on away goals.
The result followed a 1–1 draw in the first leg last weekend in Pretoria, where Walid El Karti netted a late equaliser for the Egyptian side.
Tactical Changes and Historic Stakes
Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic, a former Croatian international, opted to start former Premier League winger Ramadan Sobhi over top scorer Ibrahim Adel, who had netted six times en route to the final. Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso, in his second straight Champions League final with a different club, brought in Jayden Adams for Arthur Sales.
Cardoso, who led Esperance of Tunisia to the 2024 final, became only the second coach in CAF history to reach consecutive finals with two clubs, following Oscar Fullone, who won back-to-back titles with ASEC Mimosas and Raja Casablanca in 1998 and 1999.
Kanu Unveils New Trophy
Before kickoff, a newly designed Champions League trophy was paraded pitchside by Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, adding grandeur to the occasion witnessed by roughly 15,000 fans—a significant increase for a club that typically draws far fewer.
Match Highlights
In a tense, scrappy first half marked by frequent turnovers, Mayele gave Pyramids the breakthrough with his ninth goal of the campaign, smashing a low shot across goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after Sundowns failed to clear a cross from Ahmed Atef.
Tempers flared soon after, with a clash between Atef and Aubrey Modiba resulting in bookings for both players. Sundowns came close to levelling before the break when Tashreeq Matthews forced a save from Ahmed El Shenawy in stoppage time.
Pyramids extended their lead early in the second half through Ahmed Samy, whose powerful header from a Mohamed Chibi free kick marked his first goal in the 16-match campaign and made him the 19th different scorer for Pyramids this season.
Sundowns responded through Rayners, who capitalized on a weak clearance to score from close range. Despite mounting pressure in the final 15 minutes, the South African champions could not find the goal they needed.
A New Era for Pyramids
The victory marks a historic milestone for Pyramids FC, who were only established in 2008 and have rapidly risen in Egyptian and continental football. It is also a significant achievement for Egyptian clubs, reaffirming their dominance in African competitions.
With the Champions League title now secured, Pyramids will represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup and take their place among the continent’s elite.
