Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated after a stoppage-time header from Walid El Karti earned Pyramids FC a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final in Pretoria.
Lucas Ribeiro looked to have given the South African side a slender advantage midway through the second half at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, only for El Karti to nod home a dramatic equaliser in the dying moments.
It was a cruel end to the evening for the home fans, who had seen their side take the lead through Ribeiro’s composed finish in the 54th minute. The Brazilian playmaker, currently the top scorer in the South African Premiership with 16 goals, made no mistake after Aubrey Modiba’s deflected effort landed at his feet inside the area.
But the Egyptian visitors, appearing in their first Champions League final, showed resilience to earn a crucial away goal to carry back to Cairo for next weekend’s decisive second leg.
Sundowns, seeking their second continental title and first since 2016, started brightly, with Iqraam Rayners forcing a fine save from Ahmed El Shenawy just 10 minutes in. Pyramids responded quickly, with Fiston Mayele twice going close — the Congolese striker narrowly missed the target in the 16th minute and then fired over from close range after being picked out by Ibrahim Adel.
The tempo slowed after a frantic opening spell, as both sides settled into a more cautious rhythm. But the breakthrough came from a moment of sharp movement down the right flank. Khuliso Mudau combined well to break free and delivered a low cross that eventually led to Ribeiro’s finish.
Sundowns looked set to see out the result, but deep into added time, substitute Mohanad Lasheen found space on the left and whipped in a teasing cross. El Karti timed his run perfectly to meet it at the back post, glancing his header beyond Ronwen Williams and silencing the Pretoria crowd.
The result sets up a tantalising second leg in Cairo on Sunday, 2 June (17:00 GMT), with all to play for. Sundowns will aim to end a nine-year wait for continental glory, while Pyramids chase a historic first Champions League crown.
