In a nail-biting CAF Champions League semifinal second leg, Mamelodi Sundowns clinched a place in the final after a 1-1 draw against Al Ahly at Cairo International. The result, sealed by a late own goal, saw Sundowns progress on away goals following a goalless first leg in Pretoria.
Al Ahly struck first in the 23rd minute when Taher Mohamed capitalized on a counterattack, controlling the ball outside the box and firing a clinical right-footed finish past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Egyptian giants dominated chances, with Williams making crucial saves to deny Emam Ashour and Ahmed Hashem.
Sundowns, struggling to break through Al Ahly’s defense, pushed relentlessly in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently headed a cross into his own net, leveling the score and sending the Sundowns bench into euphoria.
Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso made strategic substitutions, introducing attackers like Iqraam Rayners and Themba Zwane to inject urgency.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, faltered under late pressure, squandering opportunities to seal the tie. The match also saw tense moments, including yellow cards for Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro and Al Ahly’s Rami Rabia, reflecting the high stakes.
Cardoso, who had earlier dismissed concerns about Al Ahly’s vocal home support, praised his team’s resilience: “We knew the atmosphere would be intense, but we thrive under such pressure. This result is a testament to our belief and preparation”
Al Ahly’s coach, though unnamed in reports, will rue missed chances and defensive errors that cost a record 13th final appearance.
Sundowns advance to their first Champions League final since 2016, where they aim to add a second title to their 2016 triumph. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC. Cardoso’s side must now regroup, with the final slated for May 2025. For Al Ahly, the quest for continental dominance hits a rare stumbling block, marking a bitter end to their 2024–25 campaign.
The semifinal showcased Sundowns’ tactical adaptability and mental fortitude, qualities that will be critical in the final. As Cardoso noted pre-match, “Challenges like these define us”mantra that now carries them to African football’s grandest stage.
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