Fiston Mayele once again proved to be the man for the big occasion as he netted the decisive goal that saw Pyramids FC edge past Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate to claim the CAF Champions League title on Sunday evening.
The first leg in Pretoria had ended 1-1, with Pyramids snatching a dramatic late equaliser that shifted the momentum heading into the return leg. For Sundowns, it was simple — win in Cairo or secure a scoring draw to bring the title home.
But the task quickly became complicated. Mayele fired the Egyptians ahead in the 23rd minute, beating Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a sharp finish. Sundowns had their chances to get back into the game, with Tashreeq Matthews missing a crucial opportunity before the break.
That miss proved costly.
No Second Star for Masandawana
It was Sundowns’ first CAF Champions League final since their 2016 triumph, and hopes were high that they’d finally clinch that elusive second star. But the late goal conceded at home in the first leg seemed to haunt them throughout the second leg.
Despite a spirited push, they couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Mayele’s goal remained the difference-maker. As the final whistle blew, Pyramids celebrated their first-ever Champions League title — while Sundowns were left to reflect on what might have been.
