Pyramids FC made history at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, securing their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling second-leg final. The Egyptian side clinched a 3-2 aggregate win after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, becoming the fourth club from Egypt to lift Africa’s most prestigious club trophy, alongside Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily.
In front of a fervent Cairo crowd, Pyramids took the lead in the 23rd minute through star striker Fiston Mayele, who fired a low shot into the far corner after a slick move down the right. Mayele’s ninth goal of the campaign underscored his pivotal role in the club’s remarkable journey. The home side doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when defender Ahmed Samy headed in a precise cross from Mohamed Chibi, igniting wild celebrations.
Sundowns fought back, with Iqraam Rayners slotting a composed finish in the 75th minute to set up a nervy conclusion. Despite a late surge from Miguel Cardoso’s side, including blocked efforts from Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba during 10 minutes of added time, Pyramids held firm. Goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy and a resolute defense ensured the historic triumph.
The victory, a decade after the club’s founding, marks Egypt’s third consecutive Champions League title, following Al Ahly’s wins in 2023 and 2024. For Sundowns, the defeat dashed hopes of a second continental crown, echoing their loss to Al Ahly in the 2001 final.