Sundowns were dealt a late blow as Pyramids scored a stoppage-time equaliser at Loftus to earn a 1-1 draw in the CAF Champions League final first leg.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s second-half strike had looked set to hand the Brazilians a narrow but crucial win in Pretoria, only for the Egyptian visitors to grab a late equaliser in the 94th minute and send the tie back to Cairo finely poised.
In a lively opening half, both teams traded chances in a physical and fast-paced contest.
Pyramids goalkeeper and captain Mohamed El Shenawy was called into action early, pulling off a spectacular save to deny Iqraam Rayners’ curling effort in the 9th minute. At the other end, Fiston Mayele came closest for Pyramids, sliding an effort just wide and later blazing over from close range after a dangerous low cross.
The hosts continued to threaten, with Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena controlling the midfield battle and Khuliso Mudau putting in a tireless defensive shift to shut down counters, but it still finished goalless at the break.
Sundowns finally found the breakthrough in the 54th minute after sustained pressure inside the Pyramids box. After two blocked attempts, the ball broke kindly for Ribeiro Costa, who calmly bent his shot into the far corner from close range, sparking celebrations from the home fans.
As the second half wore on, the game opened up. Marcelo Allende and Themba Zwane combined well to drive forward, while substitute Peter Shalulile’s pace stretched the tiring Pyramids backline.
But just as it seemed Sundowns would take a precious lead into the second leg, disaster struck. In the 94th minute, Mohanad Lasheen whipped in a cross that evaded a sliding Sundowns defender and found El Karti charging in at the far post. The midfielder powered his header past Williams to silence the Loftus crowd and level the tie.
It was a cruel blow for Miguel Cardoso’s men, who had controlled much of the match and looked the more dangerous outfit for large spells.
Nevertheless, they will head to Cairo knowing they remain very much in the contest, needing a result and at least one goal away from home to claim a second Champions League title.