Mamelodi Sundowns Focus Turns to Cairo Decider After Loftus Versfeld Stalemate
Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser in their CAF Champions League final first leg, Mamelodi Sundowns refuse to dwell on Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Pyramids FC. All attention now shifts to the decisive second leg at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Sundowns looked in full control when Lucas Ribeiro Costa slotted home in the 54th minute, capitalising on a moment of slack defending to give the Brazilians the lead. Loftus Versfeld Stadium buzzed with expectation as the hosts protected their advantage for more than half an hour. However, a lapse deep into stoppage time allowed Pyramids FC to snatch an away goal, leaving the tie finely balanced and Sundowns supporters stunned.
Assistant coach Steve Komphela remained upbeat despite the late setback. “What is important for us is to go to Cairo and do business,” he said. Komphela insisted that dwelling on past events would count for little: “We have to knuckle down, get results, and come back.” His message to the squad is clear—focus on performance rather than regret.
Top scorer Ribeiro Costa echoed his coach’s positivity. Monitored closely throughout the match, the Brazilian playmaker demonstrated his class to break the deadlock. “I am happy we scored the goal, but the job is not done,” he stated. “We are going that side, we need to finish the championship on that side. It’s very difficult… but this is football. The guys need to stay strong. We go that side and make sure we play good that side.”
Sundowns know that only an outright victory or a high-scoring draw in Cairo will secure their second continental crown following their 2016 triumph. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw would see the tie head to extra time under away-goals rules, while any draw of two goals or more in favour of the Brazilians guarantees them the trophy.
Coach Pitso Mosimane, though absent from the mixed zone, is expected to devise a game plan that combines defensive resilience with swift attacking transitions. Key to their success will be maintaining possession in midfield and capitalising on set pieces—areas where Pyramids have shown occasional vulnerability.
Sundowns’ only previous Champions League triumph came in 2016, when they overcame Zamalek in the final. On Sunday, they will aim to repeat that feat on Egyptian soil, where hostile atmospheres can pose challenges even to the most seasoned travellers. However, with the likes of Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile providing creativity and goal threat, Sundowns enter the decider with confidence.
As the Yellow and Blue entourage lands in Cairo, the clear message from Loftus Versfeld is one of resolve: past mistakes are history, and the focus must be laser-sharp on Sunday’s encounter. For Sundowns, the chance to etch their name once more on Africa’s premier club competition awaits—provided they can seize the moment in the 30 June Stadium this coming Sunday, June 1, 2025.
