Mamelodi Sundowns caught at the death as Pyramids FC deny Miguel Cardoso's side in the first leg of the Caf Champions League final

Concentration lapses in the stoppages allowed Pyramids to force a 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the Caf Champions League final staged at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams were unlucky not to get a goal in the first half, owing to the good attacking football witnessed.

It changed in the 54th minute after Lucas Ribeiro capitalised on a loose ball in the Pyramids' area, following the defenders' failure to deal with a swift counterattack.

Sundowns resorted to cautious play after taking the lead, but occasionally hit their opponent on counterattack.

Despite a handful of chances, the game looked like it would end 1-0 in favour of Miguel Cardoso's team. But in the stoppages, a good ball was played from the left by Mohanad Lasheen, and Grant Kekana missed it, allowing Walid El Karti to head home to ensure it ended 1-1.

The South African giants need a high-scoring draw or a win in Cairo to be crowned.

Lucas Ribeiro was determined to help Sundowns win the game.

He looked dangerous, any time Masandawana were attacking, and the goal was a reward for his effort.

Tashreeq Matthews was playing his first-ever Caf Champions League final, and just like any other player, he wanted to make his mark.

However, things did not work for him owing to what looked like an injury midway through the first half.

He was eventually subbed in favour of Jayden Adams.

The job is not yet done for any team since the second leg will be played on June 1 in Cairo.

As seen in the semi-final, any team can get a result in Egypt as long as players stick to the instructions given, as well as ensure they remain committed.

Sundowns forced a 1-1 draw against Al Ahly in Cairo to advance, as Pyramids beat Orlando Pirates 3-2 to make the final phase.