Late El Karti Header Stuns Sundowns as CAF Champions League Final Hangs in the Balance

The CAF Champions League final first leg served up late drama at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday as Walid El Karti’s 94th-minute header earned Pyramids FC a crucial 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.

In front of a sold-out crowd in Pretoria, the hosts looked set to claim a valuable first-leg advantage when Lucas Ribeiro Costa struck in the 54th minute. The Brazilian forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box, slotting it calmly into the bottom left corner to send the home fans into celebration.

For much of the second half, Sundowns dominated proceedings, controlling possession and creating opportunities as the Egyptian visitors retreated deeper. The South African champions, fresh from clinching their eighth consecutive domestic league title, appeared on course for a deserved victory as the clock ticked into stoppage time.

But in a tournament where the away goals rule still applies, Pyramids FC found a lifeline at the death. Substitute Mohanad Lasheen delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, where Walid El Karti rose highest to nod the ball beyond Ronwen Williams and silence the home crowd. The equaliser, coming with virtually the last attack of the match, could prove decisive in this finely poised final.

A Historic Opportunity for Pyramids FC

Founded in 2008 and transformed into one of Egypt’s top clubs following a 2018 takeover by Saudi Arabian investors, Pyramids FC are competing in their first-ever CAF Champions League final. Their journey to this stage included a dramatic semi-final win over Orlando Pirates, and now, with an away goal secured, they head into the return leg in Cairo with everything to play for.

Sundowns Left to Rue Missed Chances

The opening 45 minutes saw Mamelodi Sundowns edge possession, though Pyramids created the clearer chances. Fiston Mayele, the competition’s joint-top scorer, squandered two good opportunities and was caught offside on another occasion, failing to trouble Sundowns’ goalkeeper.

As the second half progressed, Pyramids increasingly looked content to hold on for a narrow defeat, resorting to time-wasting tactics that saw Ahmed Atef booked as early as the 48th minute. Sundowns capitalised on this shift in momentum with Ribeiro’s opener but were unable to extend their lead.

That lack of a second goal ultimately proved costly when El Karti’s header levelled matters, ensuring the final remains wide open heading into the decisive second leg.

What’s Next

The two sides will meet again on Sunday, 1 June at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo (17:00 GMT). With a $4 million prize and a new-look CAF Champions League trophy on the line, as well as a coveted place in the FIFA Club World Cup, both clubs will be desperate to write their names into African football history.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s a chance to claim their second continental crown and first since 2016. For Pyramids FC, it’s an opportunity to announce themselves as a new giant of African club football.

Expect fireworks in Cairo. This final is far from over.