CAF Champions League Final: Sundowns Lose 2-1 to Pyramids

So close, yet so far – Mamelodi Sundowns’ dreams of winning the CAF Champions League were shattered following a 2-1 loss to Pyramids FC on Sunday, 1 June.

The two sides met in the second leg of the Champions League final – which was held at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt – with Sundowns determined to clinch their second tournament title.

Alas, despite maintaining 65% possession of the ball throughout the match, the Brazilians were completely overcome by their hosts: Pyramids’ Fiston Mayele opened the scoreboard in the 23rd minute with a shot that practically whizzed past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Come the second half, Ahmed Samy claimed another goal for the home team, thanks to a stunning header in the 56th minute.

Despite Iqraam Rayners’ goal in the 75th minute, it was not enough for Sundowns to salvage the game. In the end, it was Pyramids who lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time ever.

“Guiding [Sundowns] to the final, obviously [it] makes me very proud,” said coach Miguel Cardoso in a post-match interview. “The feeling when you play a final and you don’t win is obviously bitter … but as I said before this match, this sensation that invades me is that I have a wonderful group of men in my locker room.

“They are obviously suffering, but will get up as true champions that they are … we still have a lot to do.”

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