Mamelodi Sundowns booked a dramatic place in the final of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after holding Al Ahly to a 1-1 draw at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday night, progressing on the away goals rule.
Following a goalless first leg in Pretoria, the semi-final tie was finely balanced heading into the return leg in Cairo. It was Al Ahly who struck first, with Taher Mohamed opening the scoring midway through the first half. The Egyptian forward rifled in a powerful shot from the edge of the box after being picked out by the energetic Emam Ashour.
Roared on by a capacity home crowd, the reigning African champions controlled the first half and looked destined to finally get the better of their South African rivals, having failed to beat them in eight previous encounters.
But Sundowns, known for their composure and tactical discipline, came to life in the second half and punished Ahly’s defensive lapse late in the game. In the 80th minute, a dangerous low cross into the area caused chaos in the Al Ahly box, and under pressure from Peter Shalulile, defender Yasser Ibrahim bundled the ball into his own net.
The own goal proved decisive, as the 1-1 result handed Sundowns an away-goals advantage and a place in the final. Despite a late onslaught from Al Ahly — with substitutes Achraf Bencharki and Wessam Abou Ali coming close — Sundowns held firm, displaying grit and defensive organisation to see out the match.
The result marked a major statement from the Pretoria-based side, who are now unbeaten in their last nine meetings against Al Ahly — Africa’s most successful club.
Sundowns will now prepare for the final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Pyramids FC and Orlando Pirates.
For Al Ahly, the result ends their pursuit of a record-extending CAF Champions League crown in agonising fashion, as they bow out of the competition on home soil despite a strong performance.
