Mamelodi Sundowns’ lapse in concentration in the final minute of stoppage time proved costly, as it handed Pyramids FC a crucial away goal in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsAfter a rather slow-paced first half, the second period was more eventful. Sundowns opened the scoring in the 54th minute through Lucas Ribeiro, with Miguel Cardoso’s men largely dictating the tempo of the game. However, first-time finalists Pyramids FC, formed just 17 years ago, left it late to equalise in the 94th minute via Walid El Karti’s back-post header. Harambee Stars duo miss Sunday action in EuropeThe goal handed the Egyptian side a valuable advantage, with the away goal rule still applicable in CAF competitions.Despite Sundowns dominating large portions of the game and seeking to play through Pyramids from the outset, the visitors capitalised on a late defensive weakness to snatch an equaliser.Cardoso deployed his team in the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronwen Williams in goal and a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, and Mosa Lebusa. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947834##In midfield, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, and Arthur Sales were flanked by Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews, while Iqraam Rayners led the line.In possession, Sundowns morphed into a 2-2-4-2 shape, with Mudau and Modiba pushing high to provide attacking width. As the fullbacks stretched the pitch, Ribeiro and Matthews tucked into the half-spaces, creating central overloads and outnumbering Pyramids 6v4. Pyramids, who began in a 4-2-3-1 setup, dropped into a 4-4-2 defensive block when out of possession.Mozzart Bet shares love with Kakamega-based Sukari Deaf FCSundowns’ dynamic shape caused problems for Pyramids. When Ribeiro and Matthews drifted into the half-spaces, opposition fullbacks often tracked them, leaving room for the Sundowns fullbacks to make overlapping runs. Furthermore, Sales and Rayners alternated dropping into midfield, dragging Pyramids’ centre-backs with them and creating exploitable gaps behind.However, this fluid attacking setup had its drawbacks. With both Mudau and Modiba occupying advanced roles, Sundowns were left exposed in transition. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947835##Pyramids tried to exploit this, particularly through Mayele and El Karti, who targeted the vacated channels. Although Mayele failed to test Williams with his opportunities in the first half, the threat was evident.Despite enjoying 61% possession, Sundowns struggled to create meaningful chances, registering just one shot on target and recording an xG of 0.23. Pyramids, despite their limited possession, managed one shot on target with a higher xG of 0.66, suggesting greater efficiency in their limited attacking sequences.Gor Mahia star reveals how he will utilize Ksh 100K Mozzart Bet Cup awardIn the second half, Cardoso made key tactical adjustments to gain better control and improve chance creation. Allende dropped into the right-back role during the build-up, allowing Sundowns to build with a back three instead of the first-half pairing of Kekana and Lebusa. This positional shift aimed to draw a Pyramids marker wide and open central passing lanes, but the Egyptians maintained a disciplined 4-4-2 shape and did not commit.Sundowns resorted to a plan B—playing long balls over the top. Williams targeted Sales and Rayners, who struggled aerially against the dominant centre-back pairing of Ahmed Samy and Mahmoud Marei. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947836##However, Sundowns focused on winning second balls, which proved effective as they created attacking moments from these loose possessions.Cardoso also altered the team’s rest defense, moving from a two-man to a three-man base when in possession. Modiba often tucked in beside Kekana and Lebusa, offering additional cover and neutralising Pyramids’ transitional threat. This change was reflected in the stats—Pyramids registered an xG of 0.00 in the second half.President Ruto’s son George declares loyalty to AFC LeopardsSundowns’ goal perfectly illustrated their original tactical intention: playing through Pyramids. Kekana broke lines with a grounded pass to Ribeiro, who released the advancing Mudau into the channel. After a combination with Rayners, Mudau reached the byline and cut the ball back—eventually falling to Ribeiro, who finished clinically after two rebounds.From there, Sundowns looked to see out the game by adopting a low block and transitioning quickly. However, their narrow defensive shape left space on the flanks. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947837##Although Pyramids initially failed to capitalise, head coach Krunoslav Jurčić eventually instructed his players to target these weak areas.Their equaliser came from exploiting this very tactic—overloading one flank while attacking the blind side. Mohanad Lasheen drifted wide from central midfield and, unmarked, whipped in a superb cross that El Karti met at the far post. It was a rare lapse from Sundowns’ otherwise solid central defenders, whose momentary lapse allowed Pyramids to level the tie.Wanyama reveals motivation behind Scottish returnThe tactical battle was a tale of contrasting styles. Mamelodi Sundowns were expansive, fluid, and focused on positional rotations to create overloads and space, while Pyramids FC remained compact, patient, and opportunistic. Sundowns’ in-possession adjustments showed Cardoso’s tactical acumen, but defensive frailties in transition and narrow rest-defense cost them. On the other hand, Pyramids executed a disciplined defensive structure and struck at the opportune moment, highlighting Jurčić’s tactical pragmatism. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947838##With the tie finely poised at 1-1, the second leg promises a compelling showdown of strategy and execution in Cairo.
