Pyramids FC triumphs over Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in thrilling CAF Champions League match on June 1, 2025

BY Ibrahim Sannie
June 1, 2025
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In a thrilling encounter at the Cairo International Stadium, Pyramids FC secured a hard-fought victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in Match Round 1 of the CAF Champions League. The match ended with a scoreline of 2-1 in favor of the home team, Pyramids FC.

The game kicked off with both teams showing early attacking intent, but it was Pyramids FC who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Fiston Kalala Mayele capitalized on a defensive error to put the hosts ahead with a clinical finish, sending the home fans into raptures.

Pyramids FC continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their lead in the 56th minute through Ahmed Samy Saad. The midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper with no chance as the ball nestled into the back of the net.

Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Mamelodi Sundowns showed resilience and fought their way back into the game. In the 75th minute, Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for the visitors with a well-taken goal, setting up a tense finale to the match.

Both teams pushed for more goals in the closing stages, but Pyramids FC held firm to see out the victory and claim all three points in their opening CAF Champions League fixture.

The result sees Pyramids FC get off to a perfect start in the competition, while Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to bounce back in their next match. The quality of football on display was a testament to the competitive nature of the CAF Champions League, promising more exciting encounters in the rounds to come.

Overall, it was a pulsating match that showcased the talent and determination of both teams, with Pyramids FC ultimately emerging victorious in a closely contested affair. Fans can look forward to more thrilling football action as the CAF Champions League continues to unfold.

Line-ups:

Pyramids FC

Ahmed Nasser Abdel Razek El Shenawy (7.2)
Mohamed Chibi (7.3)
Mahmoud Marei Abd El Fadil Sharafeldin (7.3)
Ahmed Samy Saad (7.6)
Mohamed Hamdy Mahmoud Sharfedin (6.9)
Ahmed Atef El Sayed (7.2)
Mohanad Mostafa Ahmed Abdelmonem (6.6)
Ibrahim Blati Touré (6.9)
Ramadan Sobhi Ramadan Ahmed (6.7)
Walid El Karti (6.6)
Fiston Kalala Mayele (6.9)

Mamelodi Sundowns

Substitutions:

Pyramids FC

Ibrahim Adel Ali Mohamed Hassan (Ramadan Sobhi Ramadan Ahmed, 78)
Ahmed Tawfik Mohamed Hassan (Mohamed Chibi, 88)
Ali Gabr Gabr Mossad (Ibrahim Blati Touré, 90)

Mamelodi Sundowns

Divine Lunga (Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, 46)
Peter Taanyanda Shalulile (Tashreeq Matthews, 64)
Arthur de Oliveira Sales (Jayden Oswin Adams, 64)
Thapelo James Morena (Mosa Spection Lebusa, 64)
Lebogang Mothiba (Iqraam Rayners, 78)

Ball possession:

In a riveting encounter between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns, the game was characterized by a stark contrast in ball possession. The formidable Mamelodi Sundowns asserted their dominance with an impressive 64% possession, leaving Pyramids FC trailing behind with 36%.

Both teams displayed attacking prowess, with Pyramids FC launching a total of 10 shots towards the goal, 4 of which found their mark. Fiston Kalala Mayele emerged as the most active shooter for Pyramids FC, eager to put his mark on the game with his relentless pursuit of goal-scoring opportunities.

On the other side, Mamelodi Sundowns matched Pyramids FC’s shooting prowess with 10 shots on target, 4 of which tested the Pyramids FC goalkeeper. Teboho Mokoena showcased his precision in front of the goal, making his hits count and posing a constant threat to the opposition’s defense.

As the game unfolded with intense competition and strategic plays, the statistics reflected the determination and skill of both teams in their quest for victory. Despite the difference in possession, both Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their attacking intent through their shots on target, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match.

Passes:

In a highly anticipated clash between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns, passing accuracy played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. Ibrahim Blati Touré of Pyramids FC showcased his precision on the ball, boasting a pass accuracy of 77% from a total of 27 passes. On the other side, Teboho Mokoena from Mamelodi Sundowns displayed exceptional control, achieving an impressive pass accuracy of 81% from 65 passes.

The midfield maestros, Mohamed Chibi from Pyramids FC and Aubrey Maphosa Modiba from Mamelodi Sundowns, also made significant contributions in terms of creativity. Chibi registered an impressive 3 key passes, demonstrating his ability to unlock the opposition’s defense with his vision and passing range. Meanwhile, Modiba added 1 key pass to his name, showing his influence in creating opportunities for his team.

Overall, the match was a showcase of tactical awareness and technical ability, with passing accuracy playing a pivotal role in shaping the flow of the game. Both teams displayed a commitment to maintaining possession and executing precise passes to break down their opponents’ defense.

As the final whistle blew, it was evident that the players’ passing accuracy had a direct impact on the outcome of the match, highlighting the importance of this fundamental aspect of the game in modern football.

Defense:

Pyramids FC showcased a masterful defensive performance in their recent match against Mamelodi Sundowns, with a total of 16 interceptions throughout the game. Leading the charge for Pyramids FC was Mohamed Chibi, who made an impressive 4 interceptions, demonstrating his keen ability to read the game and disrupt the opposition’s attacking play.

On the other side, Mamelodi Sundowns managed 5 interceptions in the match, with Gomolemo Grant Kekana standing out with 2 interceptions, showcasing his defensive awareness and anticipation.

Pyramids FC’s defensive solidity was further exemplified by their 2 crucial blocks during the game. Mahmoud Marei Abd El Fadil Sharafeldin was instrumental in one of these blocks, showcasing his commitment to keeping the opposition at bay.

Mamelodi Sundowns also showed resilience in defense with 2 blocks, one of which was executed by Khuliso Johnson Mudau, who displayed his determination to deny Pyramids FC any clear-cut opportunities.

Overall, Pyramids FC’s defensive prowess, highlighted by their high number of interceptions and timely blocks, played a pivotal role in securing a hard-fought result against Mamelodi Sundowns. The team’s disciplined and cohesive defensive efforts were key in nullifying the opposition’s attacking threats and securing a valuable outcome in the match.

Face-to-face:

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Pyramids FC clashed with Mamelodi Sundowns in a fiercely contested match that saw both teams giving their all on the pitch. One standout aspect of the game was the intense face-to-face duels for the ball, with two players emerging as the leaders in this department.

Ahmed Samy Saad of Pyramids FC showcased his tenacity and grit as he engaged in 7 face-to-face fights for the ball, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to help his team gain possession and control the game. On the opposing side, Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns proved to be a formidable force, engaging in an impressive 8 face-to-face battles for the ball, showcasing his resilience and determination to dominate the midfield.

The clash between these two standout players added an extra layer of excitement to an already pulsating match, as fans were treated to a display of skill, determination, and sheer willpower. Both Saad and Costa’s performances exemplified the competitive spirit and intensity that defined the encounter between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.

As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the face-to-face duels for the ball had been a key feature of the match, highlighting the passion and commitment of the players involved. Overall, the clash between these two talented teams was a spectacle to behold, with Saad and Costa standing out as the leaders in this crucial aspect of the game.