CAF Champions League first Leg: Mamelodi Sundowns host Pyramids FC in high-stakes final

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC will lock horns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final this Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa.

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter between two teams eager to claim Africa’s most prestigious club football title.

Mamelodi Sundowns, aiming to secure their second continental crown after their 2016 triumph, will carry the hopes of South African football on home turf.

Under the stewardship of Miguel Cardoso, formerly of Celta Vigo, the Sundowns have been in impressive form, coming off a solid 2-0 victory against Magesi in the South African Premier League just last weekend.

This result clinched them the domestic league title, adding to their momentum heading into the continental final. The club currently boasts an eight-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, signalling their resilience and consistency during this campaign.

Opposing them are Pyramids FC, an ambitious Egyptian side chasing their inaugural CAF Champions League trophy. The Egyptian outfit enters this final following a confident 2-0 victory over Petrojet in the round of 16 of the Egyptian Premier League.

Pyramids currently hold a strong position near the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings, closely trailing the dominant Al Ahly.

Their journey to this final included a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals last month, underscoring their capacity to prevail in tightly contested matches.

The first leg presents a crucial opportunity for Mamelodi Sundowns to establish dominance on home ground. With the advantage of familiar surroundings and the support of a passionate crowd, the South African side is poised to take the initiative early in the tie.

Their recent form, coupled with home advantage, positions them as favourites heading into this opening encounter.

Pyramids FC, however, will not be underestimated. Their path to the final has demonstrated their tactical acumen and determination.

The Egyptian side will seek to frustrate the hosts and secure a positive result to carry into the second leg.

Their experience in navigating challenging fixtures throughout the tournament suggests they possess the resilience to compete fiercely against Sundowns.

The two clubs represent the best of African club football, blending tactical discipline with individual flair. This final will not only crown a champion but also showcase the continent’s evolving football landscape.

As anticipation builds for Saturday’s showdown, fans from across Africa and beyond await a thrilling contest that promises intensity, skill, and strategic mastery.

Whether Mamelodi Sundowns can leverage their home advantage or Pyramids FC can impose their game plan on foreign soil, the opening leg will undoubtedly set the tone for an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 CAF Champions League campaign.

Le plus grand événement d’Afrique est arrivé ! ????

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Pyramids FC : un pas de plus vers le titre de #TotalEnergiesCAFCL ! ???? pic.twitter.com/Timnh1YSbi

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC ???? (@CAFCLCC_fr) May 24, 2025