Mamelodi Sundowns have missed out on being champions of the CAF Champions League following their 2-1 loss against Pyramids FC in the second leg of the final on Sunday night at the 30 June Stadiumin Cairo.
The visitors kicked off the game with the intention to attack but that first effort from Lucas Ribeiro sailed over the bar. Pyramids came close to opening the scoring on the 11th minute when a cross was made to the backpost bit the striker couldn’t stretch himself enough to get the ball as it went wide.
A corner was awarded to the hosts after Grant Kekana made a clearance. The corner was cleared away but a rebound was quickly found. From the rebound, a shot was struck directly to Ronwen Williams who kept his cool and focus on the ball to make the save. The hosts, however, managed to break the deadlock on the 24thminute. From a mistake in the area, Downs were punished as Pyramids found the back of the net.
Masandawana came close to levelling matters in the closing stages of the opening half through Tashreeq Matthews in front of goal but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper’s foot. This saw themhead to the interval trailing.
In the opening minutes of the second stanza, from range, Teboho Mokoena fired a shot but it deflected before finding the goalkeeper’s bucket hands. On the 56thminute, Divine Lunga fouled a player on the edge of the box, earning Pyramids a setpiece which they converted and extended their lead.
A freekick on the 67th minute was awarded to Bafana Ba Style. Taken by Mokoena, the shot was powerful and on target but the goalkeeper smacked it away. The relentless spirit that Masandawanakept saw them finding the back of the net on the 76th minute through Iqraam Rayners.
The pressure started piling up for both sides as Downs looked to find a second goal. They were awarded a corner but the Pyramids defence was watertight, denying their visitors a chance to score.
Inside the ten minutes of added time, Pyramids almost came close to extending their lead and killing the game but the effort sailed over the bar to keep the scoreline the same. Despite their hard-fought effort in the final stages of the match, the Pretoria-based side were unable to emerge victorious.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Rayners, Matthews.
Subs: Onyango, Lunga, Mvala, Morena, Zwane, Aubaas, Sales, Shalulile, Mothiba.
SOURCED FROM MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WEBSITE.