Congolese striker Fiston Mayele’s 84th minute goal gave Egypt’s Pyramids FC their first-ever appearance in the final of the CAF Champions League after Friday’s dramatic 3-2 second leg victory over Orlando Pirates.
Pirates looked to be on their way to a potential all-South African final, taking the lead twice away from home in Cairo with valuable away goals. However, Pyramids showed great resilience to quickly bounce back on both occasions before snatching the lead late on.
Poor defending from Pyramids set up the opening goal for Pirates close to halftime when Relebohile Mofokeng was wide open to volley in for the visitors.
However, it was Mayele who benefited from a bit of good fortune when Mostafa Fathi’s cross deflected off Pirates defender Nksosinathi Sibisi before coming off Mayele’s knee to level the match in first half stoppage time.
Pyramids, needing to avoid a draw and defeat on the away goals rule, attempted to seize control of the match but were hit by a moment of brilliance from Pirates starlet Mohau Nkota. Following a transition movement, Nkota’s long range strike beat Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy in the 52nd minute.
The Buccaneers appeared to be on their way once again but doubt creeped in. Less than five minutes later, an early floated cross from the right wing by Pyramids right back Mohamed Chibi found the head of Ramadan Sobhi for a powerful header past Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine. Sobhi had been on the pitch for less than a minute before scoring with his first touch.
And Sobhi’s equalizer seemed to rattle Pirates, who now had to hold on for close to forty minutes to advance on the away goals rule. Forced to settle for attacking on the counter, Pirates had to endure regular assaults from the Pyramids attack and the Bucs’ resistance was broken in the 84th minute when Mayele scored after Chaine spilled Sodiq Awujoola’s header from a corner kick.
Pyramids FC will now pursue the continental trophy they have been desiring since the big spenders came into existence in 2018. They will face South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final with the Pretoria club hosting the first leg on May 24 before Pyramids host the second leg on June 1.
