Ambitious Egyptian club Pyramids claimed their first African Champions League title by beating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on home soil to seal a 3-2 aggregate win.
After the first leg had ended 1-1 last Saturday, the tournament’s leading scorer Fiston Mayele beat Ronwen Williams from close range in the 23rd minute to put Pyramids ahead in the tie for the first time.
Ahmed Samy’s diving header, awarded after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check, made it 2-0 on the night, and 3-1 overall, in the 56th minute.
Iqraam Rayners then pulled one back for Sundowns with 15 minutes remaining with a volleyed effort, but the visitors could not find an equaliser which would have seen them snatch the title on away goals.
Pyramids saw out 10 minutes of added time at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo to write their name in African football history.
The club has been transformed since 2018 thanks to investment from first Saudi Arabian and then Emirati backers, and Pyramids become the 13th different winner of the Champions League since the tournament entered its modern era in 1997.
More to follow.
