Mamelodi Sundowns stun Al Ahly to secure a spot in the African Champions League final against Pyramids

A dramatic last-minute own goal saw Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa secure a remarkable victory over reigning champions Al Ahly on Friday, earning themselves a spot in the upcoming African Champions League final against another Egyptian team, Pyramids.

In a tense semi-final second leg held in Cairo, Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently turned the ball into his own net during stoppage time, resulting in a 1-1 draw that allowed Sundowns to advance on the away goals rule.

In a later match in the Egyptian capital, Pyramids fought back from two goals down to defeat Orlando Pirates from South Africa 3-2, with Fiston Mayele netting twice to secure his team’s place in the final.

The upcoming final will mark Pyramids’ first appearance in the Champions League decider, with the first leg scheduled for May 24 in Pretoria, followed by the return leg in Cairo on June 1.

Both semi-final first legs ended in goalless draws the previous weekend, providing a significant advantage to the two Egyptian teams hosting the second legs.

Al Ahly, historically the dominant club in African football, was aiming for their sixth consecutive final and seemed to be on track after Taher Mohamed struck a stunning goal from the right side in the 24th minute at a nearly full Cairo International Stadium, which was buzzing with the vibrant red of the home supporters.

With only the need to maintain their lead for another half, Al Ahly looked set for another final appearance. However, Sundowns began to create several chances in the second half and increased their attacking options as the match drew to a close in search of an equaliser.

The equaliser came in a rather fortunate manner when the ball hit an unseeing Ibrahim on the back of his leg amidst a goalmouth scramble and rolled into the net, propelling Sundowns to their third final appearance and their first since 2016.

Meanwhile, fellow South African side Pirates, who lifted the trophy in 1995 and were runners-up in 2013, took the lead in the 40th minute at the Air Defence Stadium. A failed clearance from Pyramids following a free kick presented 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng with the chance to slam home a half-volley.

However, the lead was short-lived as Mostafa Fathy sent a lovely cross that Congolese forward Mayele expertly chested in to equalise just four minutes later.

Pirates regained the lead with a powerful shot from the young Mohau Nkota just seven minutes into the second half, but substitute Ramadan Sobhi quickly responded with a header to bring Pyramids level five minutes later.

Just six minutes before the final whistle, Mayele was quick to react to a rebound from a corner, ensuring Pyramids’ progression to the final.