Veteran Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango’s dream of adding a second CAF Champions League title to his glittering resume ended in heartbreak on Sunday, as his club Mamelodi Sundowns were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Egyptian side Pyramids in the 2024/25 final.
It was a historic night at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, where Pyramids edged the South African champions 2-1 in a thrilling second leg to secure their maiden CAF Champions League crown.
The first leg in Pretoria had ended 1-1, setting the stage for a high-stakes decider in Egypt.
Onyango, who previously lifted the trophy with Sundowns in 2016, watched from the bench as South Africa’s number one Ronwen Williams started in goal for Masandawana.
But despite Sundowns’ experience and pedigree, it was Pyramids who rose to the occasion and etched their name into African football history.
The Egyptian side, founded just over a decade ago, took the lead in the 23rd minute through in-form striker Fiston Mayele, who pounced on a defensive error to net his ninth goal of the campaign.
Mayele’s strike ignited the home crowd and set the tone for a dominant Pyramids display. Sundowns responded with urgency but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
A golden opportunity to equalise just before halftime went begging when Themba Zwane’s clever pass found Mathews in space, only for the forward’s shot to be expertly saved.
The hosts returned from the break with renewed intensity and extended their lead in the 56th minute.
Defender Ahmed Samy rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Mohamed Chibi, heading past Williams to make it 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
Sundowns were not done yet. In the 75th minute, Iqraam Rayners offered a glimmer of hope, calmly slotting home after a neat exchange in the box.
But despite piling on the pressure in the closing stages, the South African champions were unable to break through again.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in Cairo as Pyramids completed their fairytale rise by lifting Africa’s most prestigious club trophy for the first time in their history.
In doing so, they became the fourth Egyptian club to win the CAF Champions League, joining record-holders Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily.
Egypt now boasts a record 19 Champions League titles, further asserting its dominance in African club football.
For Sundowns, it was a second final defeat in the competition, having previously lost to Al Ahly in 2001.
While the pain of another near-miss will linger, the Brazilians will now regroup and shift focus to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, Pyramids will aim to cap off a dream season when they face Zamalek in the Egyptian Cup final on Wednesday, potentially adding a domestic double to their historic continental triumph.
