Mamelodi Sundowns Advance to CAF Champions League Final Against Pyramids After Dramatic Own Goal

 South African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final after a dramatic 1-1 draw against defending champions Al Ahly in the semi-final second leg on April 25, 2025, at Cairo International Stadium. 

The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, allowing Sundowns to advance on the away goals rule following a goalless first leg in Pretoria. Sundowns will now face Egyptian club Pyramids FC in a two-legged final, with the first leg scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Pretoria and the return leg on June 1, 2025, in Cairo.

The match in Cairo was a fiercely contested affair, with Al Ahly, the record 12-time African champions, taking the lead in the 24th minute through a clinical strike by Taher Mohamed. The goal came after Sundowns were dispossessed in midfield, and Emam Ashour delivered a precise cross-field pass to Mohamed, who beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a powerful shot. 

Al Ahly, backed by a capacity crowd of 73,000, appeared poised to reach their sixth consecutive final. However, Sundowns, under the guidance of coach Miguel Cardoso, showed resilience, creating several half-chances in the second half. A potential penalty for Sundowns in the 67th minute, when Lucas Ribeiro appeared to be fouled in the box, was overturned after a VAR review, adding to the tension.

In the 88th minute, Sundowns’ persistence paid off when a low cross into the Al Ahly penalty area led to chaos, and Ibrahim’s unfortunate deflection silenced the home crowd. The own goal sent Sundowns to their third CAF Champions League final and their first since 2016, when they won their only title. Cardoso praised the team’s tactical discipline and belief, noting their ability to frustrate Al Ahly’s attack despite the hostile atmosphere. 

Meanwhile, Pyramids FC earned their first-ever final appearance by defeating South Africa’s Orlando Pirates 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final, with Fiston Mayele scoring twice. The final promises to be a historic clash, with Sundowns aiming to reclaim continental glory and Pyramids seeking to make a mark in only their second Champions League campaign.