Pyramids of Egypt won their first CAF Champions League title after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at home Sunday. The Egyptian team competed for just the second time and won 3-2 across both games. Fiston Mayele scored after 23 minutes and Ahmed Samy added another goal at 56 minutes. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for the South African visitors during the 75th minute. Sundowns pushed hard for a second goal but could not find the equalizer they needed.
The first game ended 1-1 last weekend which made Sunday's match crucial for both teams. Pyramids normally attract small crowds but fans responded to calls for support and filled half the 30,000-seat stadium. Both coaches made single changes from their starting lineups compared to the previous match. Croatian manager Krunoslav Jurcic brought forward Ramadan Sobhi instead of Ibrahim Adel. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso started Jayden Adams over Brazilian striker Arthur Sales.
Mayele struck first when Ahmed Atef crossed the ball and Grant Kekana cleared it poorly. The striker pounced on the loose ball and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Ahmed Samy doubled the lead when Mohamed Chibi delivered a free kick and the defender headed powerfully past Williams. Sundowns fought back through Rayners who scored from close range after a weak clearance. The victory marks a historic achievement for Pyramids who celebrated their maiden continental triumph.
The first game ended 1-1 last weekend which made Sunday's match crucial for both teams. Pyramids normally attract small crowds but fans responded to calls for support and filled half the 30,000-seat stadium. Both coaches made single changes from their starting lineups compared to the previous match. Croatian manager Krunoslav Jurcic brought forward Ramadan Sobhi instead of Ibrahim Adel. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso started Jayden Adams over Brazilian striker Arthur Sales.
Mayele struck first when Ahmed Atef crossed the ball and Grant Kekana cleared it poorly. The striker pounced on the loose ball and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Ahmed Samy doubled the lead when Mohamed Chibi delivered a free kick and the defender headed powerfully past Williams. Sundowns fought back through Rayners who scored from close range after a weak clearance. The victory marks a historic achievement for Pyramids who celebrated their maiden continental triumph.
