As the 2025 CAF Champions League final approaches, anticipation is mounting across the continent. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to face Egypt’s Pyramids FC in a high-stakes, two-legged showdown that promises tactical brilliance and fierce competition. The first leg kicks off on May 24 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, followed by the decisive return leg on June 1 in Cairo.
Sundowns’ Momentum vs. Pyramids’ Ambition
Mamelodi Sundowns enter the final on the back of an impressive unbeaten run spanning eight matches across all competitions. Their domestic dominance is unquestionable, having just secured their eighth consecutive South African Premier Division title. With a lethal attack that netted 13 goals in their last five outings and a possession-based style boasting over 3400 passes per game at 90% accuracy, Sundowns exhibit a blend of flair and discipline rarely matched on the continent.
Leading their charge are key players like striker Iqraam Rayners, who has found the net four times in recent matches, and midfield maestro Jayden Adams, the team’s engine in controlling tempo and rhythm.
On the other side, Pyramids FC have rapidly emerged as a continental force. The Egyptian side boasts a 70% win rate in 2024, driven by an aggressive, high-pressing style and the midfield dynamism of Ibrahim Blati Toure alongside goal-scorer Marwan Hamdy. However, recent defensive lapses against mid-table Egyptian clubs raise questions about their resilience under the spotlight. Their discipline has also been tested, with 11 yellow cards in their last five matches, a vulnerability Sundowns could exploit.
The Tactical Chess Match
The midfield battle between Jayden Adams and Ibrahim Blati Toure is expected to be the final’s focal point. Both sides rely heavily on controlling the midfield to dictate play, making this a crucial contest that could tilt the balance.
Defensively, Sundowns appear steadier, and their ability to maintain possession with surgical precision contrasts with Pyramids’ more aggressive but risk-prone approach. Playing at Loftus Versfeld offers Sundowns a significant psychological and tactical advantage, especially since they already secured a group-stage win in Cairo against Pyramids.
Predictions and What to Watch
Experts and bookmakers give Sundowns a 49–55% chance of winning the first leg, with odds ranging between 1.62 and 1.77. Draws sit around 24%, while Pyramids are pegged at 26–28%, reflecting their threat but also their vulnerabilities. The match is likely to be a cautious, tightly-fought affair with a predicted scoreline of 1-0 or 2-0 in favor of Sundowns in Pretoria.
Betting Insights:
- Main pick: Mamelodi Sundowns to win
- Expect under 2.5 goals total
- Both teams to score? Unlikely
- Over 9.5 corners likely due to sustained pressure and attacking play
Final Verdict
Mamelodi Sundowns stand on the brink of continental triumph. Their experience, tactical discipline, and home advantage make them favorites to take a commanding lead into the Cairo leg. While Pyramids FC continue their exciting ascent, their defensive inconsistencies and disciplinary issues may prove costly in the final stretch.
This CAF Champions League final promises drama and skill, but all signs point to Sundowns lifting their second continental crown — a historic moment for South African football.
Check also: Mamelodi Sundowns’ Road to the CAF Champions League Final
