Three talking points as Mamelodi Sundowns target CAF Champions League crown

IOL News

28-05-2025

Walid El Karti Walid El Karti, seen here taking on Mamelodi Sundowns star Marcelo Allende, grabbed the stoppage-time equaliser for Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
Ninety minutes, perhaps more, stand between Mamelodi Sundowns and the chance to etch their name into African football history as they prepare to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday (7pm kick-off).
Eight years have passed since their first moment of continental glory, and only now do the South African giants return to the grandest stage once again.
In the first leg at Loftus Versfeld, Lucas Ribeiro Costa sent the crowd into a frenzy with a second-half opener, only for Walid El Karti to silence the celebrations with a cruel, last-gasp equaliser, leaving the tie balanced at 1-1 heading into a fierce Cairo night.
The disappointment hung heavy – etched on the faces of players, echoed in the silence of thousands at Loftus Versfeld.
Yet, within that moment of heartbreak may lie a hidden gift.
Had they clung to a slender 1-0 lead, the instinct might have been to retreat, to protect, to defend what they had.
But now, with the away-goals rule tilting the tie in Pyramids' favour, there is no room for hesitation, no space for safety.
The Brazilians have little choice but to rise with purpose, play on the front foot, and with the talent they carry, perhaps being forced to chase is exactly what will awaken their finest football.
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Pyramids have been unshaken and unapologetically ambitious.
With the fearlessness they have shown throughout their campaign, they will fancy their chances on home soil.
Here, Obakeng Meletse unpacks the three key talking points ahead of the second leg showdown... No room for errors in defence
Before Walid El Karti's late equaliser, Sundowns had maintained control and remained well-structured at the back.
But as Saturday showed, the margin for error at this level is razor-thin – one brief lapse in concentration, and the punishment is swift.
In the return leg, Sundowns must be especially alert when defending crosses.
Pyramids have already demonstrated their aerial threat – both in their 3-2 aggregate victory over Orlando Pirates, and again with their equalising goal in the first leg, and It's in these moments, in the chaos of the box, where history could be made. Pyramids might still have ace up sleeve
Heading into the return leg on home soil, the Egyptian side could look different, with a few players possibly returning from injury.
One of those is the dynamic and versatile Mostafa Fathi, who missed the first leg, but could be a real danger if fit in time.
After largely keeping Fiston Mayele at bay in Pretoria, Miguel Cardoso will be counting on another disciplined defensive display from his side.
Pyramids are known for their tactical fluidity – rarely sticking to one fixed formation.
Their players are comfortable adapting to different systems, and one thing that remains constant is their willingness to attack. Will Cardoso turn to Zwane?
In the first leg, coach Miguel Cardoso acted quickly to bring in Jayden Adams for Tashreeq Matthews in the first half to regain control in midfield when they were being overrun.
However, he may regret not turning to club captain Themba Zwane in the closing stages.
Zwane, who recently recovered from a long-term injury, was on the bench, but went unused.
With his experience and calm presence, the veteran midfielder might have helped Sundowns manage the final moments better.
His ability to unlock tight defences could have made the difference against a compact Pyramids backline – and perhaps even preserved a 1-0 advantage to take into Cairo.
His leadership and composure when in possession may be exactly what Sundowns need in the high-pressure return leg.