Pyramids Steal Late Equaliser to Hold Sundowns in Thrilling CAF Champions League Final First Leg
Mamelodi Sundowns were left to rue missed opportunities as Egyptian side Pyramids FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Backed by a lively home crowd, Sundowns began the encounter with intent and took a deserved lead through their talismanic forward Lucas Ribeiro, whose first half strike sent the stands into a frenzy. The Brazilians looked to be in control for large spells of the game, dictating possession and limiting Pyramids to half-chances.
However, the tide shifted in the final moments when Pyramids were awarded a controversial free-kick deep into stoppage time. A well executed set piece found its way past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, leaving the home side stunned and giving the Egyptian visitors a valuable away goal.
The result sets up a tantalizing second leg in Cairo, where Pyramids will look to use their home advantage to seal their first continental title, while Sundowns aim to reclaim the crown they last won in 2016.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso lamented the late concession “We played well, controlled most phases of the game, but in football, one moment can undo all your hard work. We now have to regroup and finish the job in Cairo.”
The second leg will be played next Saturday, with kickoff set for 20:00 local time at the 30 June Stadium
Post a Comment