Pyramids FC struck late in the second half to rescue a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Pyramids FC
Date: 24 May 2025
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Arthur Sales has been rewarded for his form over the past month and joined Iqraam Rayners in the attack, while Grant Kekana came in for Khoza in central defence as the only big chance from last week’s win over Magesi FC.
The Brazilians made all the noise in the early stages, with Rayners unleashing a strike from distance that forced Pyramids goalkeeper into a fine save.
The Egyptian should have broken the deadlock after 18 minutes when Fiston Mayele managed to break free on the left side of the box, however the striker sent his low strike just wide of Ronwen William’s upright before the same player passed up on another opening minutes later.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was not happy with how Pyramids were getting on the ball and made a change after 36 minutes when Tashreeq Matthews made way for Jayden Adams to bolster the midfield options.
The introduction of Adams did add a bit more steel to the Sundowns midfield, but they continued to struggle in the final third as star man Lucas Costa Ribeiro was kept quiet for most of the half.
After a quiet first half, Ribeiro sprung to life eight minutes in when he pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired into the top corner on 54 minutes to hand Sundowns the lead.
The Egyptians unsurprisingly looked to get themselves back in the contest but they were finding it tough to carve out clear-cut openings, as Williams was a spectator for most of the encounter.
Coach Cardoso opted to refresh the team for the final 13 minutes as Peter Shalulile was introduced in place of Sales in attempt to catch the visitors lacking as they pushed for the equaliser.
Sundowns were unable to see out the closing stages as Pyramids brought themselves level in second-half stoppage time thanks to Walid El Karti’s header at the far post.
Liverpool are leading the race to sign Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, sources have told ESPN.
Wirtz had been expected to remain in his homeland next season, either staying put at Leverkusen or joining Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. However, it is now understood that Liverpool are the frontrunners to land his signature should he decide to leave the BayArena this summer.
The 22-year-old — who has registered 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen — is keen on a move to Anfield, sources have told ESPN.
A deal is yet to be struck between Liverpool and Leverkusen, with the German side valuing a deal for Wirtz at around £126 million (€150m), however there is already dialogue ongoing between the two clubs over the £30m transfer of full-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Netherlands international having successfully undergone his medical this week.
Bayern had been confident they would be able to sign Wirtz from Leverkusen, either this summer or in 2026. However, over the past few days, sentiment has shifted and there is now increasing belief that the midfielder is leaning towards a move to the Premier League.
Manchester City and been earmarked as a potential replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.
However, following conversations with Leverkusen and Wirtz’s representatives, City opted to walk away from the negotiating table last week, with a source telling ESPN that club bosses did not view the deal as financially workable.
Information from ESPN’s Rob Dawson contributed to this report
Simphiwe Selepe strikes late as Orlando Pirates force draw with AmaZulu | soccer
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi extended his unbeaten start in charge after Simphiwe Selepe scored a late equaliser to earn the Buccaneers a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Stellenbosch secured CAF Confederation Cup football for next season while SuperSport United are in danger of dropping into the relegation playoffs in the Betway Premiership.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC do battle in the first leg of the CAF Champion League final this afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Teams: Mamelodi Sundowns v Pyramids FC
Date: 24 May 2025
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Time: 15h00
Sundowns booked their spot in the final after overcoming defending champions Al Ahly in the semi-final round.
The Brazilians have reached their first final since 2016 when they won their only title to date.
Miguel Cardoso’s charges ended their Betway Premiership campaign on Sunday after defeating Chippa United.
Pyramids, meanwhile, advanced to their first-ever final after defeating Orlando Pirates in the previous round.
The Egyptians will be competing in their first-ever Champions League final.
These two sides are familiar with each other, having met in the group stages last season where Sundowns claimed a 1-0 win in Egypt while the reverse fixture ended goalless in Pretoria.
