Mamelodi Sundowns have sent shockwaves through the South African football landscape with the swift announcement that all tickets for their highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Champions League first-leg final clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC have been completely sold out.
Just hours after celebrating their recent Betway Premiership league title triumph, the Brazilians are now gearing up to host Pyramids FC at the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria next weekend.
The atmosphere is expected to be nothing short of electric as Masandawana aim to establish an advantage on home soil before heading to North Africa.
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The decisive second leg of this prestigious continental final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 June, at the imposing 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. The stage is set for a thrilling two-legged affair that will determine the kings of African club football.
This momentous occasion marks Mamelodi Sundowns’ third foray into the CAF Champions League final. Their previous appearances saw them suffer a heartbreaking defeat against Al Ahly in the 2001 final before experiencing the pinnacle of continental success with their historic triumph in 2016. This upcoming final represents their first opportunity to reclaim the coveted title since that glorious year, adding immense significance to the tie.
Sundowns navigated a challenging path to reach this stage, demonstrating their resilience and tactical prowess by overcoming another Egyptian powerhouse, Al Ahly, on away goals in a captivating semi-final encounter. Meanwhile, Pyramids FC showcased their own credentials by edging out South African rivals Orlando Pirates with a 3-2 aggregate victory in their semi-final.
For Pyramids FC, this final appearance marks a watershed moment in the club’s relatively young history. Reaching the final of the CAF Champions League is a historic achievement, especially considering that even progressing beyond the group stages of the competition was a first for the ambitious Egyptian outfit.
The last South African club to grace the final of the CAF Champions League was Kaizer Chiefs back in 2021, where they ultimately succumbed to the then-reigning champions, Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly.
Now, the hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of Mamelodi Sundowns as they aim to bring the coveted trophy back to South Africa and etch their name further into African footballing folklore.