Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim conceded a 90th-minute own goal to give Mamelodi Sundowns a place in the CAF Champions League final.
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In a remarkable display of resilience and tactical prowess, Mamelodi Sundowns etched their name into the annals of African football history on Friday night when they progressed to the 2025 CAF Champions League final, at the expense of 12-time champions Al Ahly SC.
Playing at the iconic Cairo International Stadium, Sundowns secured a 1-1 draw, enabling them to progress to the final on the away goals rule after a goalless stalemate in the first leg of the semi-finals played in South Africa a week ago.
Thanks to their tactical discipline and sharp counter-attacking prowess, which ultimately led to the crucial away goal, Premier Soccer League champions Sundowns have achieved the extraordinary feat by eliminating the holders.
The atmosphere was electric in the stadium, where a sea of passionate Al Ahly fans filled the stands, hoping to witness their team seal a spot in the final.
However, they failed to reckon with Sundowns’ immense maturity under pressure while executing a game plan that effectively neutralised their opponents. The passionate home crowd seemed to provide a psychological boost for Al Ahly as they dominated much of the first period.
They looked on course to finally break their winless streak against the South Africans after Taher Mohamed fired the hosts into the lead midway through the first half.
This goal sent waves of excitement through the stands and raised hopes of securing another title in their illustrious history of the CAF Champions League.
As the showdown unfolded, the fierce battle continued deep into the second half. Towards the end, the Brazilians’ determination and tactical nous came to the fore as they thwarted Al Ahly’s relentless attacking style.
Trying to defend their slender 1-0 lead caused Al Ahly to panic at the death when Sundowns managed one attacking sortie in the final minute of regulation time. Defender Yasser Ibrahim tried to clear a low goalmouth cross and instead turned the ball into his net, gifting Sundowns a vital equaliser.
The heartbreak felt by Al Ahly was palpable, as the late twist handed Sundowns a vital lifeline, knowing that the 1-1 draw was all they required to advance.
With this remarkable achievement, coach Miguel Cardoso’s team now boast an impressive record of going nine consecutive matches unbeaten against the record African champions.
As Africa’s footballing world reflects on the passionate displays from both sides, Sundowns will bask in the glory of their triumph, and Al Ahly will have to regroup and reassess after a valiant effort that ultimately fell short.