Mamelodi Sundowns to face Pyramids in CAF Champions League final

Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the CAF Champions League final Friday night thanks to a dramatic last minute own goal by holders Al Ahly, as first timers Pyramids FC themselves needed a late goal to upset Orlando Pirates and qualify for their first ever Final.

Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim inexplicably turned the ball into his own net in stoppage time at the end of the semifinal second-leg tie in Cairo to stun the large Ahly support and see Sundowns eliminate the Egyptian giants on the away goals rule after a 1-1 draw.

Later in the Egyptian capital, Pyramids twice came from behind to beat Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-2.

Fiston Mayele scored twice for the home side to advance to the championship decider.

Pyramids will play in their first Champions League final when they take on Sundowns in the first leg in Pretoria on May 24 and the return in Cairo on June 1.

The first legs of both semifinals last weekend ended 0-0, handing a major advantage to the two Egyptians clubs who were hosting the return matches.

Al Ahly, who have long been the dominant force in African club competition, were aiming for a sixth successive final and looked to be on their way after Taher Mohamed slammed home a stunning effort from the right in the 24th minute at a near-capacity Cairo International Stadium.

The equaliser, however, was fortuitous as the ball struck unsighted defender Ibrahim on the back of his leg in a goalmouth melee and rolled into the net to send Sundowns through to their third final appearance, and first since 2016.

Pirates, who were winners in 1995 and runners-up in 2013, went ahead in the 40th minute at the Air Defense Stadium when Pyramids failed to clear a free kick and the ball fell to 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng to blast home a right-footed half volley.

Pyramids hit back almost instantly with the lead only lasting four minutes before Mostafa Fathy provided a cross for Congo striker Mayele to prod home an equaliser.

Mohau Nkota put Pirates back in front on 52 minutes, but substitute Ramadan Sobhi equalised with his first touch after coming on to head home five minutes later.

He then set up a tantalising finale which was won by Pyramids after Mayele reacted quickest to a rebound from a corner six minutes from time to ensure Pyramids’ progress.