
Audio By Carbonatix
Pyramids netted a stoppage-time equaliser to spoil the party for Mamelodi Sundowns and leave the African Champions League final finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg in Pretoria.
The hosts took the lead at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld eight minutes after half-time when forward Lucas Ribeiro followed up a shot and tucked the ball into the net from just outside the six yard box.
After dominating the second period, fans of the South African club were beginning to celebrate what they thought would be an important victory until Walid El Karti connected with Mohanad Lasheen's cross and sent his header past Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams in the 94th minute.
In a tournament where the away goals rule is still in effect, the late leveller could prove enough for first-time finalists Pyramids to lift the new-look Champions League trophy and pick up $4m in prize money.
Only formed in 2008, the club has been transformed into one of Egypt's top sides since being taken over by Saudi Arabian investors in 2018.
Sundowns, who will play in Fifa's expanded Club World Cup next month, are chasing their second continental title and are back in the final for the first time since their triumph in 2016.
The two sides will meet again at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, 1 June (17:00 GMT).
Latest Stories
-
Some Mahama ministers have been rendered redundant – Afenyo-Markin
1 minute -
Nkoko Nkitinkiti alone cannot transform poultry sector without fixing feed challenges — Farmers
8 minutes -
Mahama pledges support to complete UHAS laboratory complex after inspection
8 minutes -
Volta Region’s development stalled under NPP, revived under Mahama – Volta Regional Minister
11 minutes -
Ablakwa donates 100 chest freezers to Juapong market women ahead of 24-Hour Economy Market project
13 minutes -
Uselss Column: ‘Lot’s Wife’s Husband’
15 minutes -
Useless Column: Akpeteshie is innocent
20 minutes -
Fix the courts, don’t create tribunals — Afenyo-Markin tells government
21 minutes -
Photos: President Mahama joins Ho Hospital at 100 celebration
23 minutes -
Global leaders meet in Ghana for Repairing International Development Conference 2026
27 minutes -
NDC promised 24-hour economy but has no clear roadmap — Afenyo-Markin
28 minutes -
NDC has abandoned the accountability standards it once championed – Afenyo-Markin
29 minutes -
Tramadol worth GH¢100m intercepted at Accra International Airport; three arrested
35 minutes -
NPA calls for stronger partnerships to secure Ghana’s petroleum future
36 minutes -
NDC hawks have taken control of Mahama’s government – Afenyo-Markin alleges
40 minutes