Double Blow for Mamelodi Sundowns After CAF Champions League Final Defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns’ pursuit of continental dominance ended in heartbreak on Sunday night as a 2-1 loss to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final second leg saw them suffer a 3-2 aggregate defeat—and miss out on two lucrative global opportunities.

Having drawn 1-1 in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the Brazilians went into the decisive clash in Cairo with all to play for. But despite high expectations and a strong pedigree in African football, the 2016 champions fell short, handing Pyramids their first-ever continental title.

More than just the Champions League crown was at stake. By failing to secure victory, Sundowns have also missed out on qualification for two major upcoming international competitions: the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Had they lifted the CAF Champions League trophy, Sundowns would have sealed their place in the Intercontinental Cup—a prestigious six-team event that pits continental champions against each other. Additionally, they would have booked an early ticket to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, which promises to be the most ambitious edition yet.

Instead, Pyramids FC will now take up those slots, representing Africa on the global stage in both tournaments. For the Egyptian club, this victory marks a historic breakthrough; for Sundowns, it’s a bitter setback that adds to the pain of falling short in a final where they were widely considered favourites.

The Pretoria-based side, managed by Rulani Mokwena, had been aiming to add a second star to their badge, nearly a decade after their landmark 2016 triumph. Their journey to the final had been impressive, but critical lapses—particularly conceding a last-minute goal in the first leg and failing to match Pyramids’ tempo in Cairo—ultimately sealed their fate.

Despite the disappointment, Sundowns are not entirely out of the global spotlight. They had already secured a place in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States later this month. Alongside African giants Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance, Sundowns will have the chance to redeem themselves and prove their mettle against some of the world’s best.

The Club World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the DStv Premiership champions to turn their frustration into fuel, as they aim to fly the South African flag high on a global platform.

For now, though, the sting of a missed double opportunity will linger. What was set to be a landmark moment in the club’s rich history has instead become a painful reminder of just how fine the margins are at the top of African football.