Mamelodi Sundowns Knock Out Al Ahly After Dramatic Second-Leg Thriller
Mamelodi Sundowns End Al Ahly’s CAF Reign
In a dramatic turn of events, Mamelodi Sundowns have knocked out the defending champions Al Ahly to book their spot in the CAF Champions League final. The South African giants, long hailed as Africa’s most consistent club in recent years, finally broke their semi-final curse with a breathtaking away performance that stunned the packed Cairo stadium.
First Leg Stalemate in Pretoria
The battle began with a tense 0-0 draw in Pretoria. Despite controlling large portions of possession, Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to break down a resilient Al Ahly defence, setting the stage for a do-or-die second leg in Cairo. For many fans and pundits, the momentum still seemed to favor the Egyptian powerhouse, given their formidable record at home and their habit of thriving under pressure.
Al Ahly Take Early Control
In the second leg, Al Ahly’s strategy was clear: clinical counter-attacks with minimal possession. The plan worked early, with Taher Mohamed opening the scoring in the 24th minute after a clever assist from Emam Ashour. The stadium erupted with hope, as Al Ahly fans believed another final was within their grasp.
Despite the setback, Mamelodi Sundowns never lost composure. Their intricate passing and tactical patience aimed to tear apart the usually rock-solid Al Ahly defence. However, time kept slipping away with the home side holding firm, their crowd growing louder with each passing minute. The Sundowns needed a moment of magic — or fortune — to keep their dream alive.
Yasser Ibrahim’s Own Goal: The Turning Point
As the clock ticked into the 90th minute, Sundowns surged forward desperately. A pinpoint cross from the left flank into the heart of Al Ahly’s box created chaos. Under immense pressure, Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently turned the ball into his own net — a heartbreaking moment for the home side, but ecstasy for Sundowns. The scoreline read 1-1, but crucially, Sundowns now held the advantage through the away goals rule.
With the tie slipping away, Al Ahly threw everything forward in search of a winner. But Mamelodi Sundowns, sensing their opportunity, switched into full defensive mode, absorbing wave after wave of desperate Al Ahly attacks. The South Africans showcased incredible discipline and resilience to hold on until the final whistle, silencing the Cairo International Stadium in dramatic fashion.
Historic Moment for Sundowns
The final whistle confirmed it: Mamelodi Sundowns had defeated the mighty Al Ahly on their own turf, securing a place in the CAF Champions League final. For a club that has been knocking on the door of greatness over the past few seasons, this was a watershed moment — and perhaps a sign of a new era in African club football dominance.
What’s Next?
Now, with their confidence sky-high and destiny in their hands, Sundowns look to lift the CAF Champions League trophy — a moment that would not only crown their recent years of excellence but also firmly establish them among Africa’s all-time great clubs. As for Al Ahly, the kings of CAF must now regroup and look toward the future after a rare heartbreak on home soil.
April 25, 2025, will be remembered as the night Mamelodi Sundowns broke the spell, defeating the continent’s most successful club in the most dramatic of fashions. A triumph born from courage, strategy, and belief — and one that might just signal a new dawn in African football.
