Pyramids grab late equaliser in African Champions League final – Nsemkeka
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).