Sundowns Suffer Late Heartbreak Against Pyramids FC in CAF Champions League Final

• Mamelodi Sundowns failed to make their home advantage count in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC
• The Brazilians were close to winning the tie with a goal from Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the second half, but a late goal from the Egyptian giants ended the game in a draw
• The draw means the Premier Soccer League giants need to avoid defeat when they visit Pyramids FC in the second leg in Cairo, Egypt

Mamelodi Sundowns missed the chance to capitalise on home advantage in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, drawing 1-1 with Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Brazilian star Lucas Ribeiro put the Pretoria giants ahead nine minutes into the second half, but a late strike from Walid El Karti ensured the Egyptian side left South Africa with a valuable away goal, setting up a tense second leg in Cairo.

Masandawana were crowned the champions of South Africa for the eight time last weekend after their back to back victories against Chippa United and Magesi FC.

They were in good form heading into the first leg against Pyramids FC with their last defeat coming against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semis.

Sundowns Suffer Heartbreak Against Pyramids in CAFCL Final

Sundowns started the match strongly and created some of the best chances early on. In the 10th minute, Iqraam Rayners broke past a Pyramids defender but saw his shot comfortably saved by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.

Pyramids responded with a chance of their own in the 15th minute when Fiston Mayele fired wide, keeping the scoreline goalless.

As Sundowns struggled with possession, Pyramids gradually gained control and forced a save from Ronwen Williams in the 19th minute.

With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Sundowns made a substitution, bringing off Tashreeq Matthews for Bafana Bafana international Jayden Adams.

The first half ended 0-0, with both teams having created opportunities to take the lead.

Sundowns resumed the second half with renewed intensity, pressing on the visitors. Five minutes after the restart, Grant Kekana’s header narrowly went over the bar, but the linesman’s flag for offside stopped the goal.

The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Lucas Ribeiro Costa curled a left-footed shot into the top corner inside Pyramids FC’s box, giving Sundowns the deserved 1-0 lead.

Looking poised to maintain their advantage, Sundowns were caught out late as Pyramids struck back. Walid El Karti’s late goal gave the Egyptian giants a crucial away goal and a 1-1 draw to take into the second leg in Cairo next week.

How much Sundowns earned for winning Betway Premiership

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns were awarded a significant cash prize after clinching their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title.

The Pretorian giants were awarded a substantial cheque during the trophy presentation ceremony held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium after their victory over Magesi FC, celebrating yet another dominant season.

Source: Briefly News