An all-important away goal proved decisive, sending the South African giants through after a hard-fought battle.

Al Ahly came out strong, dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes and showing clear attacking intent. Taher Mohamed pulled the strings early on, slipping a well-weighted through ball to Nejc Gradisar in the 21st minute – but the striker’s effort flew over the bar.

Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Sundowns

Mohamed made no mistake just three minutes later, finishing off a neat move that started with Emam Ashour. Ashour continued to trouble Sundowns, forcing a save from Ronwen Williams ten minutes later.

Thapelo Morena offered a spark for Sundowns down the flanks, but Al Ahly’s defence stood firm, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

Sundowns came out with renewed energy in the second half, pushing forward with more urgency. Lucas Ribeiro came close to levelling the score, only to be brought down in the box by Yasser Ibrahim. However, the referee waved away appeals for a penalty – a decision that was upheld after a VAR check.

With the clock ticking down, coach Miguel Cardoso turned to his bench, bringing on Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shalulile to inject fresh legs into the attack. The substitutions paid off.

In the 90th minute, sustained pressure saw Ibrahim deflect the ball into his own net, gifting Sundowns the equaliser they so desperately needed.

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Al Ahly (24’ Taher) 1?? (1)?(1) 1?? Mamelodi Sundowns (90+4’ Ibrahim (OG))#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/tt3YaVMVJc

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 25, 2025

The final moments were nerve-wracking, but the Brazilians held firm to clinch a 1-1 draw, and with it, a ticket to the CAF Champions League final on the away goals rule.

Meanwhile, at the Air Defence Stadium, which is also in Cairo, Orlando Pirates, who some six minutes close to advancing to the final as well. The match between Pyramids FC was deadlocked at 2-2 with six minutes to play when scored his brace and winner for the Egyptian side for a 3-2 win.

The first leg of the final between Sundowns and Pyramids FC will be played on 24 May in Pretoria.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg