Sundowns look to take major step toward ‘second star’

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to take a major step toward adding a ‘second star’ to their club emblem when they host Pyramids FC for the first leg of the 2024-25 Caf Champions League final, set for the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the afternoon of Saturday 24 May.

Kick-off at 3pm CAT.

Match background

Sundowns earned their place in the Champions League final (for the third time overall, adding to their triumph in 2016 – which allowed them to add a star at the top of their emblem in recognition of the continental victory – and a runners-up finish in 2001) after finishing second in group B behind ASFAR, before overcoming Esperance de Tunis (1-0 on aggregate) and Al Ahly (1-1 on aggregate, advancing on away goals) in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively.

Pyramids FC have reached the Champions League final for the first time (though they also appeared in the final of the Confederation Cup in 2020, losing to RS Berkane) after finishing second in rgoup D behind Esperance de Tunis, before overcoming ASFAR (4-3 on aggregate) and Orlando Pirates (3-2 on aggregate).

This final will be played across two legs, with the first taking place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday 24 May, while the return game is set for the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on the evening of Sunday 1 June.

What the teams are saying

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso on making a ‘step up’ compared to their dominance of South Africa’s Betway Premiership:

“With respect to the Premiership, this is another level we’re going to face. We have a very tough challenge ahead with this Champions League final. We are also tough people. And I would say that God gives the strongest fights to His strongest warriors. That’s what we need to be – warriors, but most of all, high-quality football players.”

Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic on his plan for the first-leg match:

“We identified our opponent's strengths and weaknesses. We have prepared a balanced plan between attack and defence, hoping to return with a positive result from South Africa that will strengthen the team's position before the second leg.

Players to watch

Mamelodi Sundowns – Lucas Ribeiro

The Brazilian attacker has enjoyed a brilliant campaign for Mamelodi Sundowns, especially in domestic competitions. He will want to leave his mark on the Champions League and dominate the two legs of this final against Pyramids FC, thereby helping Sundowns become continental kings for just the second time.

Pyramids FC – Fiston Mayele

The DR Congo attacker has scored five goals in the Champions League this season (making him the co-leading marksman, alongside teammate Ibrahim Adel and Al Ahly’s Emam Ashour) – none more important than the strike which eliminated Orlando Pirates in the previous round and put Pyramids into their first Champions League final.

Head-to-head

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Pyramids have met in just two previous matches. Both were in the group stage of the 2023-24 Champions League, with the teams drawing 0-0 in Pretoria, while Sundowns claimed a 1-0 away win in Cairo thanks to a goal from Teboho Mokoena.

Sundowns have played 26 matches against Egyptian opposition down the years, with a record of 10 wins, nine draws and seven defeats. Pyramids’ record against South African teams is played six, won one, drawn three, and lost two.