Heartbreak in Cairo for unused substitute Themba Zwane & Mamelodi Sundowns as Pyramids clinch historic first Caf Champions League trophy

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent from the outset, but it was Fiston Mayele who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, pouncing on a poor clearance from Grant Kekana to put Pyramids ahead 2-1 on aggregate.

Sundowns struggled to find their rhythm in attack, but nearly equalised in first-half stoppage time when Lucas Ribeiro played Tashreeq Matthews through on goal, only for the latter’s shot to be denied by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.

Early in the second half, a lengthy VAR check reviewed a possible foul on Iqraam Rayners at the edge of the box, but the referee ultimately waved play on. 

Moments later, Ahmed Sami powered in a diving header from a free-kick, and after a brief VAR check, the goal stood - putting Pyramids 3-1 ahead on aggregate.

Sundowns pushed forward in search of a breakthrough, which eventually came when Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net in the 75th minute. But it wasn’t enough as the 3-2 aggregate in favour of Pyramids handed Krunoslav Jurcic and his men the illustrious Caf Champions League trophy.

Mayele continued to showcase his excellence, scoring his ninth goal of this season’s Caf Champions League campaign. 

His consistency has been key to his team's success and he deservedly gets the nod as MVP.

For Sundowns, the usually influential Lucas Ribeiro and Marcelo Allende were unable to deliver their trademark magic when it mattered most. 

The attacking spark that often defines their play was missing, as the key players struggled to impose themselves on the game.

Coach Miguel Cardoso is likely to be slammed for not introducing the influential Themba Zwane.

The Brazilians will have to dust themselves off as they look to carry the South African flag high when they embark on their journey at the Fifa Club World Cup in the USA. 

Their first test in Group F is scheduled against Korean side Ulsan on 18 June, followed by German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund on 21 June and Brazil’s Fluminense on 25 June.