After a tense goalless draw in Pretoria, all eyes now turn to Cairo for the decisive second leg — a clash steeped in history, drama, and no shortage of pride.
Few rivalries in modern African club football carry the weight and intensity of Al Ahly vs. Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s a matchup that pits the seasoned dominance of Egypt’s most decorated club against the relentless rise of South Africa’s modern football powerhouse.
Over the years, these two have repeatedly crossed paths in high-stakes encounters, forging one of the continent’s most gripping rivalries.
Now, with a place in the CAF Champions League final on the line, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter. Remarkably, this encounter marks the fifth consecutive season these titans have crossed paths in the premier African club competition.
Their head-to-head history is already rich with unforgettable moments that have gripped fans across the continent:
2019: The Pretoria Earthquake
Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a seismic shockwave, dismantling Al Ahly with an unprecedented 5-0 victory on home soil, a result that reverberated throughout African football.
2020-21: Egyptian Retribution
Al Ahly, stung by the humiliation, responded with steely resolve, twice eliminating the South African champions in successive campaigns, asserting their continental dominance.
2023-24: Tactical Stalemate
The most recent group stage encounters saw Sundowns edge a tight 1-0 victory in Pretoria before securing a valuable away draw in Cairo, hinting at a narrowing gap between the two sides.
The continent holds its breath as Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to renew their captivating rivalry. Kick off at the Cairo International Stadium is set for 18h00 CAT on Friday, 25 April 2025.