Mamelodi Sundowns were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final after Walid El Karti’s second-half equaliser earned Egyptian side Pyramids FC a valuable away result at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday evening.
The South African champions looked poised for a comfortable night when Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa struck in the 10th minute to give Sundowns an early lead. The in-form striker latched onto a pass from Themba Zwane, took a deft touch to beat his marker, and coolly slotted the ball past Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy to ignite the home crowd.
Sundowns dominated the opening exchanges with their trademark possession-based style, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Costa’s goal was his sixth of the tournament, reinforcing his status as one of the standout players of the campaign. Rulani Mokwena’s men had several chances to double their lead, with Neo Maema and Teboho Mokoena coming close, but a combination of wayward finishing and strong defending kept the visitors within reach.
Despite the pressure, Pyramids gradually grew into the game. The Egyptian side, featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and disciplined defenders, held firm and remained patient. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Walid El Karti timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Ramadan Sobhi, heading home the equaliser against the run of play to stun the home supporters.
The goal shifted momentum in Pyramids’ favour, and they almost snatched a winner late on through Fiston Mayele, but Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save to preserve the stalemate.
The draw gives Pyramids a slight advantage heading into the second leg in Cairo next weekend, with the away goal potentially proving decisive. For Sundowns, the missed opportunities and lapse in concentration could prove costly as they chase their second CAF Champions League title since 2016.
Both sides now turn their attention to the all-important second leg, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt, where the 2024/25 African champions will be crowned.
