Should Pyramids FC of Egypt win the African Champions League, they stand to make the name of their team the newest kind of attraction, at least in football.
When Walid Al-Karti struck for Pyramids late in the first leg of the African Champions League 1-1 final with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, the goal left the second and deciding leg on a knife’s edge heading into Cairo.
In Pretoria on Saturday 24 May, in front of over 50,000 Mamelodi Sundowns fans in Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the hosts took the lead at eight minutes after half-time when Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro followed up a ball that seemed to go to everybody in the box, including himself, striking it into the net from just outside the six-yard box.
But Al-Karti connected with a floater from Mohanad Lasheen’s cross and sent his unimpeded header past Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams in the 94th minute.
The two sides will meet again at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday 1 June.
Said the BBC: “In a tournament where the away goals rule still stands, the late leveller could prove enough for first-time finalists Pyramids to lift the new-look Champions League trophy and pick up $4 million in prize money.”
Formed only in 2008, when it was called Al-Assouti, Pyramids were bought by Saudi Arabian investors in 2018, then UAE businessmen and has been transformed into one of Egypt’s top sides.
Sundowns, who will play in FIF’s expanded Club World Cup next month in the US, are chasing their second continental title and are back in the final for the first time since their triumph in 2016.
Sundowns had eliminated defending champions and record 12-time champions Ahly at the semi-final stage on away goals while Pyramids saw off Sundowns’ provincial rivals Orlando Pirates 3-2 on aggregate.
Adds the BBC: “Sundowns are the dominant force in South African football, recently wrapping up a record-extending eighth consecutive domestic title, but will have to negotiate a potentially difficult second leg.
“Although Pyramids do not boast the level of support enjoyed by Cairo rivals Ahly and Zamalek, Krunoslav Jurcic’s men hope to capitalise upon hot evening conditions in North Africa and take a step towards establishing themselves as a giant of the continental game.”
Pyramids are gunning for a remarkable treble this season. Including the Champions League, they will meet Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League’s last game on Wednesday 28 May after the Al-Ahram Weekly went to print. With one game left, Ahly are atop the league table with 55 points, two more than second place Pyramids.
Pyramids also have the Egypt Cup final with Zamalek on Thursday 5 June.
A win on Sunday against Sundowns of any margin or a scoreless draw would crown Pyramids African champions and make them the fourth Egyptian club to lift the continent’s most prestigious trophy and first continental title in club history.
The new African Champions League trophy, which will be lifted for the first time, had been on tour in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday’s first leg.
The trophy for Africa’s elite club competition was unveiled in a glittering ceremony on Thursday, ushering a new era for the tournament, called the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
According to cafonline, accompanied by legends Teko Modise and Hlompho Kekana, who both lifted the old trophy in their playing days, “the magnificent piece of silverware has made visits to SABC, SuperSport, ENCA and Newzroom Afrika.
“The new trophy draws inspiration from the fierce competition and rich cultural heritage of the continent, the trophy features sleek silver and gold lines, symbolising unity, rivalry, and the competitive balance that defines the tournament.
“At its peak, the golden sphere – embellished with African symbolism – represents the ultimate prize: victory.
“The interplay of contrasting silver and gold elements celebrates both the triumph of champions and the honour of worthy opponents, reinforcing the spirit of respect, ambition, and excellence that underscores African football.
“The redesign mirrors the successful evolution of African football, positioning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy as a visual icon that reflects the prestige and passion of African club football,” cafonline said.
The first Champions League match was broadcast in over 28 international territories including major European and African markets.
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