Mamelodi Sundowns Reach 2024/25 CAF Champions League Final
Mamelodi Sundowns held their nerve to produce a performance of tactical discipline and steely resilience to earn a 1-1 draw against Al Ahly at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday night, progressing to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on away goals.
After a tense 0-0 draw in Pretoria, the second leg was poised on a knife’s edge, and it was the hosts who struck first. Midway through the first half, Taher Mohamed capitalized on a loose ball teed up by Emam Ashour to hammer home from outside the box, sending the home fans into raptures. Al Ahly dominated the early proceedings, firing 7 shots to Sundowns’ 3 in the opening 45 minutes and creating 27 final third entries to Sundowns’ 37. Despite holding only 40% possession, the Egyptian giants were more incisive, registering three shots on target to Sundowns’ one.
Sundowns, however, showed their class on the continental stage. Even under pressure, they maintained composure in possession, attempting 306 passes to Ahly’s 197 in the first half alone, hinting at their patient strategy to gradually take control.
The second half saw a shift. Sundowns continued to control the ball, enjoying 59% possession and stringing together 239 passes compared to Ahly’s 165. Al Ahly knew 1-0 was not a secure enough scoreline and Sundowns began to find gaps, producing 5 shots to Ahly’s 3 after the break. The South African champions became more threatening inside the box too, recording three second-half shots from close range, while Al Ahly mustered just two.
The turning point came with just ten minutes remaining. Khuliso Mudau, influential all night down the right flank where Sundowns focused much of their attack, played a teasing low ball into the box. Under intense pressure from Peter Shalulile, Yasser Ibrahim could only bundle the ball into his own net, handing Sundowns the priceless away goal.
In the closing stages, the match opened up. Substitutes on both sides were thrown on in attacking roles, reflecting the game’s rising urgency. Al Ahly attacked with increased width, splitting their thrusts almost evenly down both flanks, while Sundowns held firm, their substitutes positioning slightly higher up the pitch to ease the defensive burden and catch Ahly on the counter.
Despite Al Ahly’s furious late charge, which included near misses from Achraf Bencharki and Wessam Abou Ali, they failed to register a single shot on target in the second half – a testament to Sundowns’ organized, brave defensive structure.
Overall, Sundowns’ superior game management and possession dominance – they completed 545 passes across the 90 minutes compared to Ahly’s 362 – proved decisive. While Al Ahly were more direct and aggressive early on, Sundowns’ patience and ability to absorb pressure without panicking allowed them to weather the storm and strike at the right moment.
It’s a historic result for the Pretoria side, who now boast a nine-match unbeaten streak against Africa’s most successful club. Their reward is a place in the final, where they await Egyptian league leaders and Champions league debutants Pyramids FC.
For Al Ahly, it was a night of anguish. Despite the brave performance, their dream of extending their CAF Champions League title record came crashing down on home soil.
Sundowns march on – battle-hardened, fearless, and 180 minutes away from continental glory.
