Pyramids Beat Sundowns to win First-Ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Title

Pyramids FC clinched their maiden TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a pulsating second leg final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

Having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Pretoria, the Egyptian side secured a 3-2 aggregate win, becoming the fourth different club from Egypt to win Africa’s most prestigious club competition—joining Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily in a feat unmatched by any other nation.

Pyramids began with purpose in front of a passionate home crowd, taking the lead in the 23rd minute through their prolific striker Fiston Mayele, who rifled a low shot into the far corner after a clever move on the right side.

The goal marked his ninth in the competition and confirmed his status as one of the key figures in Pyramids' historic run.

The home side doubled their lead shortly after the restart when defender Ahmed Samy rose highest to head home from a Mohamed Chibi cross in the 56th minute, sending the Cairo crowd into a frenzy.

Pyramids were formed in 2008 as Al Assiouty, but were renamed and moved to Cairo 10 years later after attracting investment from Saudi Arabia.

Their success continues the domination of the Champions League by Egyptian clubs, who have now won seven out of its past nine editions - with Al Ahly claiming six of those titles.

Yet, despite boasting the funds to lure some of the best talent in Egypt and Africa, Pyramids remain in the shadow of Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic pleaded for fans in Egypt to come and support his side before the game, but the crowd was relatively quiet on the night despite a sizeable attendance at the 30,000-capacity 30 June Stadium.

Pyramids missed out on the league title to Al Ahly in midweek but could yet seal a domestic and continental double when they face Zamalek in the Egyptian Cup final on Thursday.

Sundowns, meanwhile, will have to get over defeat quickly as Miguel Cardoso's men prepare to take part in the expanded Fifa Club World Cup in the United States.

They will face Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan in Group F, with their first game against the South Korean side on 17 June.