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Pyramids beat Sundowns to clinch CAF Champions League crown
- Pyramids beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate in CAF Champions League final
- Egyptian side qualify for FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 and the FIFA Club World Cup 2029
- Sundowns will compete at this year's Club World Cup in the USA
Pyramids have won the CAF Champions League for the first time after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of their final showdown in Cairo. The result secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, and means the Egyptian side have qualified for both the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ and the FIFA Club World Cup 2029™.
South African champions Sundowns, meanwhile, will switch their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Their campaign will begin on 17 June when they face Ulsan HD in Orlando.
The Champions League final tie was finely poised after the first leg in Pretoria finished in a 1-1 draw. Back on home turf, Pyramids forged ahead on 23 minutes when Fiston Mayele rifled a stunning first-time effort beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The South African side almost had a leveller on the stroke of half-time, but Ahmed El Shenawy made a superb save to deny Tashreeq Matthews.
Pyramids, however, would double their advantage early in the second half, Ahmed Sami heading home Mohamed Chibi’s inviting free-kick.
Sundowns battled hard as they hunted a way back into the game, and halved the deficit on 76 minutes through Iqraam Rayners’ volley. They proceeded to apply consistent pressure, but Pyramids held on to see out the victory and clinch a maiden continental crown.
What they said...
"I don’t know what to say, we did it! We managed to win our first title, and it feels like a reward for all the hard work we’ve put in. I’d like to thank the fans for showing up today. Their support really helped us clinch the title. The Egyptian fans gave us a special kind of energy."
Krunoslav Jurcic, Pyramids coach
"All the players were true warriors. They went through a lot of tough moments during the tournament. These players achieved something no-one has done before. We played against a great team, but the players gave everything and worked hard to bring home this historic title."
Ali Gabr, Pyramids defender
