Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC Battle to a Thrilling 1-1 Draw in CAF Champions League Final First Leg

The stage is set for an exciting finish in the 2025 CAF Champions League final after Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg on 24 May 2025. Football fans across South Africa and Egypt were treated to an intense battle as both sides fought hard for the upper hand in this continental showdown.

First Leg Highlights: A Match of Two Halves

The first leg of the final, held at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, saw Mamelodi Sundowns take the lead midway through the second half. Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa put the home side ahead with a well-timed strike in the 54th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

However, Pyramids FC were not ready to give up easily. With determination and grit, the Egyptian side pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off late in the match when Walid El Karti rose above the Sundowns defence to power a header into the net, rescuing a crucial away goal in the 94th minute. This late goal means the tie remains wide open ahead of the second leg.

A Tight Contest Between Two African Giants

The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing tactical discipline and resilience. This CAF Champions League final has already showcased why these two sides are among the strongest in Africa.

• Mamelodi Sundowns came into the game with the advantage of home support and previous success in the tournament.
• Pyramids FC, the Egyptian underdogs, have shown they can match the Sundowns blow for blow, and their late goal proved their mettle.

Recent Head-to-Head Record Adds to Excitement

The teams have met twice before this final in the Champions League group stages:

• 10 December 2023: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Pyramids FC
• 19 December 2023: Pyramids FC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

With those results in mind, the first leg final result of 1-1 adds a new layer of drama to this rivalry.

What to Expect in the Second Leg

The second leg of the final will be held in Egypt, where Pyramids FC will be looking to capitalize on their late away goal. Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, will aim to use their experience and home advantage in the first leg to secure the title on foreign soil.

This final promises to deliver high drama and top-quality football, with both teams eager to lift Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.

Check also: CAF Champions League vs CAF Confederation Cup: Understanding the Differences