Late Drama as Pyramids Stun Sundowns with Last-Gasp Equaliser in African Champions League Final First Leg

Pyramids grab stoppage-time lifeline in Pretoria to set up a tantalising second leg

In a clash of continental heavyweights at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns were seconds away from taking a slender lead into the second leg of the African Champions League final—until Walid El Karti popped up with a dramatic equaliser for Pyramids FC deep into stoppage time.

It was a gut-punch for the home fans and a massive moment for the Egyptian visitors, who are playing in their first-ever CAF Champions League final. The 1-1 draw keeps the tie on a knife’s edge, but with the away goals rule still in effect in this competition, Pyramids may well have struck a decisive psychological and mathematical blow ahead of the return fixture in Cairo on 1 June.

For the South African champions, it was a cruel end to an evening that had largely gone to plan. Lucas Ribeiro had given Sundowns the lead early in the second half and the hosts looked set to carry that advantage to Egypt. But the late twist has turned what could have been a comfortable second leg into a potential trial by fire under the hot lights of the 30 June Stadium.

First blood for Sundowns, but Pyramids stay in the fight

This was a match filled with intent, tension, and no shortage of skill. The opening 45 minutes were lively and open, with both sides showing signs of nerves but also enough quality to entertain the sold-out crowd in Pretoria’s heart.

Sundowns, fresh off an emphatic semi-final win over the mighty Al Ahly, dominated the ball early on but struggled to break down a resolute Pyramids defence. The Egyptian side, tactically disciplined and sharp on the counter, actually created the better chances in the first half. Fiston Mayele, joint-top scorer in the competition, had two golden opportunities but failed to convert either, shooting wide on both occasions. He then found the net shortly before the break but was rightly flagged offside.

As the second half got underway, it was clear that Pyramids were retreating deeper, perhaps content to grind out a goalless draw or strike late on the break. That strategy nearly backfired when Ribeiro seized on a loose ball in the box just eight minutes after the restart. After a saved shot ricocheted around the area, the Brazilian forward reacted fastest and stabbed the ball home from close range, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

From that point, Sundowns looked in control. Their passing was crisper, their movement more confident, and Pyramids began to visibly wilt under the pressure. Ahmed Atef was even shown a yellow card for time-wasting in the 48th minute—a sign that coach Krunoslav Jurcic’s side were already playing for survival.

But survival turned into triumph in the dying moments.

El Karti’s header changes the mood and the momentum

With four minutes of injury time ticking down, Mohanad Lasheen swung a hopeful cross into the box. Walid El Karti rose highest, unmarked and unwavering, and glanced a perfect header beyond the reach of Ronwen Williams to snatch a precious away goal at the death.

It was a goal that stunned the home crowd into silence and sparked wild celebrations in the Pyramids dugout. El Karti, one of the more experienced heads in a side full of rising talents, had kept his composure when it mattered most. For a club founded as recently as 2008 and only transformed into a major force since its Saudi-backed takeover in 2018, it was a historic moment.

The late equaliser means Pyramids now have the chance to lift the newly designed Champions League trophy—and with it, a hefty $4 million in prize money—on home soil. While they lack the fanbase of Cairo rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek, they’ve now earned a shot at carving their own chapter in Egyptian and African football history.

Sundowns left to regroup ahead of testing trip to Cairo

For Mamelodi Sundowns, this was not the result they envisioned. After dominating large stretches of the match and taking a deserved lead, they failed to kill off the game and now face the unenviable task of getting a result in North Africa.

Rulani Mokwena’s side are the dominant force in South African football—they’ve just wrapped up their eighth consecutive domestic title—but this competition demands more than domestic brilliance. Having lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016, Sundowns have been chasing a second title ever since. That dream remains alive, but they will need to show a killer instinct in the second leg.

What makes the challenge even tougher is the away goals rule, still used in CAF competitions despite being scrapped in Europe. That means any scoreless draw in Cairo would crown Pyramids champions, while even a 2-2 draw would send them through. Sundowns, therefore, must score—and may need more than one—to have any hope of avoiding a painful defeat in a final they had within their grasp.

African Champions League final still wide open

This final is finely balanced, and it now promises a thrilling conclusion. The first leg had everything—atmosphere, drama, and a storyline worthy of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

Pyramids will return to Cairo knowing they are 90 minutes away from a dream becoming reality. Their tactical caution paid off, and now they can rely on home advantage and the energy of the North African heat to push them over the line. They’ve already beaten South African opposition in this tournament, having edged out Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals, and their belief is growing with every match.

Sundowns, for all their quality, must regroup quickly. They have the squad depth, the experience, and the coaching staff to bounce back—but they now face a test of character as well as talent. If they’re to return to the top of the African game, they’ll have to do it the hard way.

The final chapter will be written in Cairo on 1 June. After this enthralling first leg, one thing is certain: the African Champions League trophy will be hard-earned, and the winner will be truly worthy of the crown.

Mamelodi Sundowns fans

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate a goal

Krunoslav Jurcic closes his eyes and holds his right index finger to his lips