CAF Champions League: Pyramids FC defeat Orlando Pirates to Spoil Dream All-South African Final With Mamelodi Sundowns

In a thrilling finale to the semi-finals, Pyramids FC edged out Orlando Pirates 3-2 in a pulsating encounter in Cairo, shattering the prospect of an all-South African final and setting up a mouth-watering showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns in the TotalEnergies men’s CAF Champions League final.

After a goalless first leg in Johannesburg, both sides came out determined at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, and it was Pirates struck first when Relebohile Mofokeng slotted home from close range midway through the first half.

However, Pyramids levelled shortly after, with Fiston Mayele pouncing on a cross from Mostafa Fathi to restore parity going into half-time.

The end-to-end nature of the contest continued after the break, and the Pirates regained the advantage when Mohau Nkota fired in a superb low drive on 52 minutes.

Yet the Egyptian side showed their resolve in front of their home fans. Ramadan Sobhi rose highest to meet a Mohamed Chibi cross, heading past Pirakes goalie Sipho Chaine to make it 2-2 moments later.

The decisive moment came with just six minutes remaining.

After a goalmouth scramble from a corner, Mayele reacted quickest, hammering the ball into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations among the home faithful.

Despite late pressure from The Sea Robbers, Pyramids secured a famous win and extended their remarkable unbeaten home record to 23 matches. This victory means the Egyptian side will face Mamelodi Sundowns — who earlier eliminated Al Ahly on away goals — in what promises to be a mouth-watering final on May 24th and June 1st.

Read: Niger Acquires Advanced Turkish Aksungur Drones to Improve Aerial Surveillance, Strike Capabilities

About The Author

Ivo Okeke

author

See author's posts