Egyptian side Pyramids FC has written a new chapter in African football history after winning their first-ever CAF Champions League title, thanks in large part to the heroics of their star striker, Fiston Mayele.
In the second leg of the final held recently in Cairo, Pyramids secured a 2-1 victory over South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns. That result saw them clinch the title with a 3-2 aggregate win, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Pretoria.
Mayele Makes His Mark
Former Yanga SC forward and DR Congo international Fiston Mayele opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, setting the tone for victory. That goal not only paved the way for the club’s historic win but also secured Mayele the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with nine (9) goals.
He finished well ahead of other scorers: Ibrahim Adel (6 goals), Al Ahly’s Imam Ashour (4), and Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile (4 and 3 goals, respectively). Mayele becomes only the second player from DR Congo in the last decade to win the CAF Champions League Golden Boot, a personal milestone for the prolific forward.
Jurcic Makes History for Croatia
Pyramids head coach Krunoslav Jurcic also made history, becoming the first Croatian manager to win the CAF Champions League, joining the ranks of a few European coaches who have lifted the prestigious trophy in Africa — including Ivan Ridanovic and Branko Zutic from the former Yugoslavia.
National Pride – Egypt Continues to Reign in Africa
This was Pyramids’ first-ever CAFCL title since the club was established a decade ago, and it marks their arrival among the elite of African football. For Egypt, it’s another year of continental dominance, following Al Ahly’s back-to-back Champions League titles in 2023 and 2024. That means Egyptian clubs have now won the CAFCL three consecutive years, reinforcing Egypt’s footballing supremacy on the continent.
Heartbreak for Sundowns
For Mamelodi Sundowns, it was a bitter night. With high hopes of clinching their second Champions League title, they were denied at the final hurdle. Their only goal came in the 75th minute through Iqraam Rayners, but it wasn’t enough.
The second goal for Pyramids, which ultimately sealed the win, was scored by defender Ahmed Samy in the 56th minute, heading in a well-placed cross from Mohamed Chibi.
Conclusion
Pyramids FC’s triumph is more than just a club milestone — it’s a symbol of shifting power in African football, with stars like Mayele proving that East African talent has a place on the grandest stages. Egypt continues to rule the African football scene — and now, not just through Al Ahly, but with Pyramids FC rising to join the continent’s elite.
