In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Cairo International Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a stunning upset against the reigning champions Al Ahly, securing a spot in the CAF Champions League final with a dramatic last-minute equalizer that ended the match in a 1-1 draw on April 25, 2025. The result allowed Sundowns to advance on away goals after the aggregate score stood level.
The match started with Al Ahly asserting their dominance, and it was Taher Mohamed who opened the scoring for the home side in the 24th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from inside the box that gave them a 1-0 lead. The stadium, filled to near capacity with fans clad in the club's red colors, erupted in celebration as Al Ahly looked poised to secure their sixth consecutive final appearance.
Despite the early setback, Mamelodi Sundowns, known for their resilience, began to push back in the second half. They created several half-chances but struggled to find the back of the net, with Al Ahly's defense holding strong. Sundowns' Teboho Mokoena came close with a long-range effort that was expertly saved by Al Ahly's goalkeeper, El-Shenawy.
As the match wore on, Sundowns intensified their efforts, making tactical substitutions to inject fresh energy into their attack. With time running out, the South African side pressed forward, desperately seeking an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when disaster struck for Al Ahly.
In a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1. The own goal not only sent the Sundowns fans into a frenzy but also ensured that they would advance to the final based on the away goals rule.
After the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his relief and pride in his team's performance, stating, "We faced a strong opponent and missed several chances to score, but we prevented them from taking control at home. The tie is decided in two legs, and we still have the return leg. We are well aware of the threat our opponents pose and we will prepare carefully to prevent them from scoring." Cardoso's tactical decisions were instrumental in the team's ability to fight back and secure the crucial away goal.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly's coach, Marcel Koller, reflected on the match's outcome, acknowledging the mistakes that led to their elimination. "I'm the one who makes the most mistakes. Before a player makes a mistake, I've already made more mistakes — and the first mistake I make is picking players for the job," he remarked. Koller’s disappointment was palpable, especially considering Al Ahly's storied history in African football.
The defeat marked a significant moment for Mamelodi Sundowns, who will now face another Egyptian club, Pyramids, in the final. Pyramids secured their spot earlier in the day by overcoming Orlando Pirates in a thrilling 3-2 encounter, setting the stage for an all-Egyptian final. This will be the first Champions League final for Pyramids, while Sundowns will be making their third appearance in the tournament's final, their first since 2016.
The final is set to take place in two legs, with the first match scheduled for May 24 in Pretoria and the return leg on June 1 in Cairo. Both teams will be eager to claim the prestigious title, and the matchup promises to be a captivating clash of styles and strategies.
As the dust settles on this semifinal, the footballing world is left buzzing with anticipation for the final showdown. Mamelodi Sundowns have proven their mettle, and with their eyes firmly set on continental glory, they will look to capitalize on their newfound momentum against Pyramids. The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable final.
