On a balmy Cairo evening at the historic June 30 Stadium, Pyramids FC etched their name in African football history by defeating the seasoned Mamelodi Sundowns to clinch their maiden CAF Champions League title. It was a gripping encounter that not only highlighted the athleticism and desire of two continental giants but also celebrated impeccable officiating, particularly by Kenyan referees Stephen Yiembe and Gilbert Cheruiyot, whose decisions were as cool as they were crucial.
An electric build-up to a historic final
The anticipation in the days leading up to the final was palpable. Egyptian fans thronged Cairo, hopeful that their Pyramids side could finally scale the heights of African club football. Mamelodi Sundowns, holding a formidable continental pedigree, arrived prepared and focused, determined to deny the hosts and add another trophy to their already loaded cabinet.
Both clubs opened their doors to the media, offering rare glimpses into tactical preparations and squad focus. Press conferences and training sessions provided an undercurrent of respect between the sides, each acknowledging the gravity of a match that would define careers and rewrite legacies.
Pyramids FC break new ground under Jurcic
Pyramids’ journey to this point had been a story of ambition and rapid growth. Under Croatian manager Krunoslav Jurcic, the Egyptian side approached the final with discipline, tactical awareness, and self-belief. Their progression through the tournament had suggested something special was brewing, and on this night, that promise blossomed fully.
Fiston Mayele, the Congolese forward and a constant threat all season, found the breakthrough, capitalizing on a mistake from Sundowns’ Grant Kekana in the 23rd minute. Mayele’s clinical strike gave Pyramids the start they longed for, his shot a bullet that South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams simply could not stop. The stadium erupted, tens of thousands of supporters sensing destiny within their grasp.
Drama and precision in the second half
As the match wore on, tension mounted. Both teams probed and pressed but struggled to carve open the other’s defense. When Ahmed Samy rose highest to connect with a pinpoint Mohamed Chibi cross—a towering header to double Pyramids’ lead—the drama reached its apex. Yet the jubilation was momentarily dampened as the assistant referee flagged Samy offside. Here, the importance of composed officiating came to the fore. A lengthy VAR check ensued, tension hanging in the air. Eventually, the goal stood, thanks to the unwavering confidence of Kenyan assistant referees Yiembe and Cheruiyot, who had read the play perfectly. For Pyramids fans, it was vindication and release all at once.
Sundowns rally falls short despite heroic effort
Mamelodi Sundowns, ever the champions of resolve, clawed back through Iqraam Rayners, whose finish gave the traveling South Africans a lifeline. Again, VAR was called upon, reviewing a potential offside by Peter Shalulile, but the goal was allowed—a testament to the clear-eyed accuracy of the officiating team. The goal breathed new life into Sundowns’ campaign, but Pyramids held firm, relying on the heroics of their veteran goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shenawy, who produced a series of critical saves to deny the Brazilians an equalizer.
Kenyan referees in the spotlight
Amidst the footballing theatre, the refereeing trio delivered a masterclass. Led by Somalian centre referee Omar Artan, with Yiembe and Cheruiyot on the lines, the officials navigated a high-stakes, pressure-filled contest with composure and authority. High-profile incidents, including contentious goals and a physical altercation between Aubrey Modiba and Ahmed Atef—both resulting in justified yellow cards—were all managed without controversy.
Former Sundowns manager Walter Steenbok summed up the prevailing sentiment best: “Out of 10 I’ll give them 10… Because there were lots of big decisions today and he took his time… with $4 million as first prize, you’ve got to be spot on, and you’ve got to work as a team.” Such recognition reflects not only national pride in Kenya but also underlines Africa’s rising refereeing standards on the grandest stages.
Pyramids FC write a new chapter
As the final whistle sounded, euphoria and disbelief mingled for Pyramids supporters and players alike. The long wait was over, the sacrifice justified. Krunoslav Jurcic, visibly emotional, declared, “We achieved the accomplishment and were able to win the African Championship, and we deserved it. In the end, this championship is a reward for all of us and for the work we have done.”
The title is not merely a piece of silverware; it is the validation of a project that dared to dream. It marks a coming of age for Pyramids, who, under Jurcic’s stewardship, have announced themselves as a major continental force. Their path was forged through resilience, tactical maturity, and moments of individual brilliance—qualities that define great champions.
After the ecstasy, what comes next
Pyramids’ triumph sets the stage for a quick turnaround. The squad will soon face Zamalek FC in the Egyptian Cup final, with hopes of a historic double still alive. Their hunger, sharpened by CAF glory and motivated by the sting of losing the league title to Al Ahly, will be a compelling story to follow as the season’s last matches approach.
Mamelodi Sundowns, for their part, can hold their heads high. Having secured the Premier Soccer League title—remarkably, an eighth in succession—the Brazilians have earned another shot at international competition, with the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon. There, they will test themselves against Europe’s and South America’s finest, including Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, their African mettle offered a global stage.
A night to remember in African football
The CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns will be remembered not only for its footballing fireworks but for the dignified, precise officiating that allowed the game’s true drama to shine through. It was a match where heroes emerged—not just those who scored or saved, but also those who, with whistle and flag, upheld the spirit of fair play.
As continental football continues to grow, such nights fuel the dreams of youth from Cairo to Nairobi to Johannesburg. For now, the blue of Pyramids FC glistens atop Africa, new champions on a journey that has only just begun.
