The Emirati-owned club, which is participating in the tournament for only the second time, will play their first Champions League final. During their first participation in the previous season, Pyramids were eliminated in the group stage, ending a disappointing campaign.
The game is also their second continental final after reaching the Confederation Cup final in 2020 before losing to RS Berkane of Morocco.
Under Croatian tactician Krunoslav Jurcic, Pyramids FC's ascent over the past few years has been remarkable. They also ended the team's finals jinx.
They had their first taste of silverware after winning the Egypt Cup last season and have a chance to defend their title when they take on struggling Zamalek in this year's final on 5 June. Additionally, they have emerged as solid contenders in the Egyptian Premier League title race in recent years. They are currently two points behind defending champions Ahly as they head into their final game of the season against Ceramica Cleopatra, scheduled four days after Saturday's match.
Road to the final
Pyramids FC finished second in their Champions League group, amassing 13 points from six games. They then overcame FAR Rabat of Morocco 4-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals and staged a comeback to defeat South Africa's Orlando Pirates 3-2 in the semis.
The Cairo-based team has been impressive in attack, with Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel tying as top scorers with five goals each in the competition. The team also boast talented winger Mostafa Fathi and star player Ramadan Sobhi, who could be available for the game after recovering from injury. In addition, Moroccan wing-back Mohamed Chibi will also be a key figure in the team's pursuit of history.
On the other hand, Sundowns will be looking to secure their second title in this prestigious competition since last winning it in the 2014/2015 season.
Miguel Cardoso's side has once again proven dominant in South Africa's Premier Soccer League this season, claiming their eighth consecutive title with two games to spare. They boast a record of 24 wins, one draw, and just three defeats in 28 matches.
The South African side have reached at least the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League in each of the last six seasons, including back-to-back semi-final appearances. They understand the importance of securing an advantage to carry into the second leg next week.
The Brazilians also advanced from their Champions League group in second place behind AS FAR, accumulating nine points before defeating Esperance of Tunisia 1-0 in the quarter-finals. They also overcame African giants and deposed champions Ahly on away goals in the semi-finals.
Sundowns will have the home advantage, but the tie would not be sealed before the final whistle of the second leg in Cairo on 1 June.
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