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IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Three talking points as Mamelodi Sundowns target CAF Champions League crown
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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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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.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Late Pyramids FC sucker punch, but not over yet for Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League final
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 Comment by MATSHELANE MAMABOLO at Loftus Versfeld THEY walked around the pitch as though in a funeral procession. Their heads bowed, and their hands hanging by their sides, Mamelodi Sundowns players were an epitome of a group in mourning. Shell-shocked at having conceded the late equaliser by Walid El Karti, the South African champions clearly understood the meaning of their having conceded a goal to Pyramids FC on home soil in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The trophy that they seemed to have a hand on deep into injury time was snatched away from that within the wink of an eye. Their traditional post-match salute of their fans was equally a sombre affair that they clearly would have rather not participated in. But it is obligatory and they did it, and it too told the story of a team and a crowd that had seemingly seen a ghost. Sundowns were looking good for a 1-0 win after Lucas Ribeiro Costa had given them the lead with a typical classy left footer from inside the box. And as they managed to keep Pyramids at bay while often venturing into the final third and threatening to score a second, it appeared as though the Brazilians would make the trip up to Cairo in an advantageous position. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ But football is fickle at the top, and against North African teams in particular – it is never over until the final whistle has been blasted. A huge failing of South African football is the way the fans only get involved in the match when their team is doing well. Let the opposition gain control and the home fans literally suffer with their team, sitting in silence and perhaps praying for a turnaround. Ribeiro, having been earlier substituted to rapturous applause, stood up from the bench and turned towards the fans – cajoling them into cheering the team on. Coach Miguel Cardoso and some players on the bench joined him, and Loftus broke into song. Just before that, the stadium announcer – having already announced that there would be four minutes of time added on for stoppages – pleaded with the crowd not to run on to the pitch at the final whistle. Victory seemed certain for Sundowns, and he clearly was anticipating an overflowing of emotions to have the delighted Masandawana to go on to the pitch and celebrate with their heroes – prematurely though that would have been, with the second leg still to come next Sunday night in Cairo. He'd spoken too early because a Pyramids attack from the left side with about a minute to go ended with El Karti tapping in the goal that sent Loftus Versfeld into such silence, you'd have sworn you were at a funeral. It was a sucker punch to the gut that would send even the strongest of boxers at least taking the standing-eight count, and Sundowns just did not want that. And you saw it in the way they met the final whistle that the players and the entire stadium understood just how much of a blow this was. They will probably recover from this in the next few days, and Cardoso is going to remind them of just how well they've done to get to this final – the Brazilians having won at Esperance and Al Ahly. A hard fought battle in the first leg - let's go to Cairo and give it everything Masandawana!👆🌍 Mamelodi Sundowns (54' Ribeiro) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Pyramids FC (90 + 4 Elkarti)#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 24, 2025 Surely they can do the same at Pyramids? Contrast Sundowns' reaction to that of Pyramids, though, and you further got the understanding of what the 1-1 score-line means. The Egyptians celebrated with gusto, and even went down in thankful prayer at the end of the match, the Champions League rookies clearly confident that they will finish off the job in their own backyard – like they did in knocking Orlando Pirates out in the semi-final. On the strength of this match, you have to agree that Pyramids are favourites to lift the new Champions League trophy. But Sundowns are not completely out of it, and can still add that second star above their club crest. Not that you'd have believed this from seeing them walking around the pitch at the final whistle, resembling a group doing a send off to a dearly departed one.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'He is the best player in SA and Africa'
According to Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende, his attacking midfielder teammate Lucas Ribeiro is the best on the continent. In the club's final match of the season, Ribeiro scored twice in the 2-0 win over Magesi to finish as the league's top goalscorer with 16 goals, and he is not even a striker but an attacking midfielder. 'This guy next to me is the best player in the PSL and in Africa,' Allende told SuperSport TV after the game. 'I'm very happy for him and to keep him in my team. Congratulations to him for the goals and the top goal scorer [award]. Congratulations to Iqy [Iqraam] for making a very wonderful season,' the Sundowns midfielder added. In the meantime, Sundowns are looking ahead to bigger things: the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC and the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Half-time tweaks to 'Yellow Machine' fine-tune Mamelodi Sundowns' performance
Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns was the Player of the Match against cape Town City on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Coach Miguel Cardoso's half-time adjustments to his 'Yellow Machine' proved pivotal in securing a 2–0 Betway Premiership victory over Cape Town City on Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium. Following a challenging first half — during which Mamelodi Sundowns scored just once despite dominating possession — Cardoso's tactical changes bore fruit after the break, with his side doubling their tally. Sundowns looked far slicker in the second half, clearly showing Cardoso had instructed a more assertive approach. Sundowns created several more scoring opportunities, though they only managed one additional goal to show for their efforts. Late in the second half, Cardoso made five substitutions in quick succession, drawing a rousing cheer from the Yellow Nation for fan favourite Themba Zwane, who came on to replace first-half scorer Iqraam Rayners. Saturday's result moves Sundowns tantalisingly close to an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title — a remarkable testament to their dominance in South African football. Cardoso expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the performance. 'Amazing, and again a very good performance. Not an easy game because the first half was quite tricky,' said Cardoso. 'We had to correct our positioning at half-time, and it was well received. In the second half, I think we coped even better, and what followed were beautiful goals and a strong display.' 'The boys are fighting so hard for what they want — the title. We are committed to every match, and now it's on to the next one, and the next. We'll try to get it. 'We need to respect everyone, because the next opponent, Chippa United, will again be tough.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Cardoso credited the heart of Sundowns' performances to team spirit and humility. He highlighted 'Player of the Match' Marcelo Allende as an embodiment of the squad's synergy. 'I think we are a humble team. Humility is not a bad value — though not too much of it,' said Cardoso. 'If it's excessive, of course it's not right. But having it in the right sense, understanding the step-by-step, is how you build a career — by working hard. 'That's what my boys are doing, and Marcelo is one of them. He is a high-quality player, but it's beautiful to see how they all remain humble. 'I'm a very proud coach — proud of the club where I work, proud of the family that supports this club. I'm proud of the values we cultivate, and also proud of the work of the boys and my staff.' Best 12th man in the world and we heard you from the first minute to the last 👏 Your support does not go unnoticed 💙#iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 4, 2025
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Another title in sight as Sundowns stroll past Richards Bay
Masandawana move 12 points clear of Orlando Pirates. Arthur Sales celebrates after opening the scoring for Mamelodi Sundowns against Richards Bay on Wednesday. Picture: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns made a healthy stride toward an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title on Wednesday, strolling past Richards Bay at Loftus Stadium to open up a 12 point lead over Orlando Pirates. Masandawana's 3-0 win, coupled with Pirates' shock defeat at home to Sekhukhune, capped off a perfect few days for Miguel Cardoso's men, after they also fought of Al Ahly on Friday to reach the Caf Champions League final. There was no sign of any fatigue in the Sundowns camp from their Champions League success in Cairo as they raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first half hour mark through Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners. And Marcelo Allende added another just after the break as Sundowns cruised past a lacklustre opponent. It took inside eight minutes for Mamelodi Sundowns to take the lead. Teboho Mokoena's sublime pass split open the Richards Bay defence and Sales steered a fine finish past Ian Otieno. Sundowns were finding it all too easy, spraying around passes under little pressure from the away side. And they doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Tashreeq Matthews' cross was flicked by Rayners and flew past a hapless Otieno. The goal to Rayners to double figures in the Premiership, in a fine season for the Bafana striker since signing from Stellenbosch. Sundowns' third on the evening came just three minutes after half time, Marcelo Allende playing a one-two with Sales, before drilling a finish past Otieno.
