Liam Garcia
Dailysports's expert
On June 1, 2025, the "30 June" Stadium in Cairo will host the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Pyramids and Mamelodi Sundowns. Here’s a combined bet suggestion with strong odds for success.
Preview
The moment has come to determine Africa’s top club. The CAF Champions League final showdown is reaching its climax, with all eyes on Cairo, where Egyptian side Pyramids will face off against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. The first leg in Pretoria ended in a 1-1 draw—a result that keeps the intrigue alive and the tension at its peak.
Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the powerhouses of South African football, have already tasted continental glory—back in 2016, the club clinched the coveted trophy by defeating Egypt’s Zamalek in the final. For the Pretoria side, this is a chance to reclaim their status as the continent’s best and reinforce their reputation as a perennial contender at the business end of the tournament.
For Pyramids, this is truly a historic moment. In just a few years, the club has transformed from a newcomer into a genuine force on the international stage. Reaching the final is already a massive achievement, but a potential victory in Cairo would turn a new page in Egyptian football history—making Pyramids the first club outside Al Ahly and Zamalek to win the CAF Champions League in the past two decades.
The road to the final was anything but easy for both teams. Both finished runners-up in their groups, which automatically meant a tougher draw in the knockout rounds. Pyramids edged Morocco’s FAR Rabat in the quarterfinals (4-3 on aggregate) and then, in a tense battle, knocked out South Africa’s Orlando Pirates (3-2), showcasing fighting spirit and tactical maturity.
Mamelodi overcame Tunisian giants Esperance in the quarterfinals—just edging them out 1-0 on aggregate. The semifinal clash with Al Ahly was dramatic: two draws (0-0 at home and 1-1 in Cairo), with Sundowns advancing to the final thanks to the away goals rule. However, it’s important to note that the away goals rule does not apply in the final—if the aggregate score is level after two legs, extra time and, if needed, penalties will decide the winner.
Both teams’ preparations for this decisive clash are also noteworthy. After the first leg, Mamelodi, having already secured the South African league title, could fully focus on the return fixture. Pyramids, on the other hand, had to play the final round of the Egyptian Premier League. Despite that, the Egyptians delivered an emphatic 5-1 win over Ceramica Cleopatra. Such a result can be a huge emotional boost ahead of the final, especially with the match taking place on home soil in Cairo.
However, that victory didn’t bring Pyramids the league title—Al Ahly also won their match and clinched the league for the third season running. This means the hosts will be highly motivated, as this is their last chance to end the season with a historic achievement—winning Africa’s premier club competition.
Probable lineups
- Pyramids: El-Shenawy, Chibi, Marei, Samy, Hamdi, Atef, Mohanad Lashin, Tayeh, Adel, El Karti, Mayele
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Costa, Mokoena, Allende, Modiba, Artur Sales, Reyners, Matthews
Match facts and H2H
- Pyramids are unbeaten at home this season across all competitions. They have drawn only three times, winning all other home fixtures.
- Mamelodi Sundowns are South Africa’s top team by all key metrics. However, their away form has been less consistent: in their last six away games, they have two wins, three draws, and one loss.
- In the 2023/24 season, Pyramids and Mamelodi already faced each other twice in the CAF Champions League group stage. Both matches were low-scoring: 0-0 in South Africa and a 1-0 win for Mamelodi in Egypt.
Prediction
Given the magnitude of the match and the character of both teams, a cautious start with minimal risks is expected. Finals rarely forgive mistakes, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, the home advantage and Pyramids’ flawless record in Cairo make the Egyptians slight favorites in this tie. Our pick: Pyramids not to lose and under 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.92.
