Pyramids shock Sundowns with a late sucker punch goal at Loftus

Pyramids FC broke the hearts of Mamelodi Sundowns supporters with a late sucker punch goal that sent the Loftus Versfeld Stadium into a state of mourning on Saturday afternoon.

The match ended 1-1 and Pyramids’ goal, virtually from the last kick of the match, was scored in referee’s optional time when Masandawana supporters were already celebrating and singing on top of their voices.

The result means that Sundowns will have a mountain to climb in the second leg in Egypt next Sunday. The highly anticipated match did not live up to expectations with both sides too cautious in their approach.

The fans too, did not come to the party. They may have filled the stadium to capacity, but they did not give their side a boost with the atmosphere not as electrifying as expected. There was chaos outside venue with fans streaming in as late as half time and minutes into the second half.

On the field, the home side was not as deadly and did not really dominate the visitors who caused some anxious moments for Sundowns. In the early stages, the Egyptians created some scoring chances and had the Sundowns fans on the edge of their seats. The dangerous Fiston Mayele, who tormented Orlando Pirates in the semifinals, almost sneaked in a goal in the 16th with the Sundowns defence all at sea.

Sundowns chances upfront were sporadic and few and far in between. But Lucas Costa Ribeiro gave the supporters something to smile about when he sliced a powerful shot in the top corner of the net, 10 minutes after the halftime break.

As the clock ticked, the visitors kept knocking on the Sundowns door and they became dangerous as the match progressed. They really looked like they were going to score and they were rewarded when Walid Elkarti pounced on a deadly cross from the left and scrambled the ball into net. You could hear a pin drop after the goal and the Sundowns supporters went home a disappointed lot. They are fully aware that the second leg is going to be a bit of mission impossible.

Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content

Latest News