CAF Champions League: Sundowns v Pyramids FC, who will succeed Al Ahly?
Champions League: Sundowns v Pyramids on Saturday in the first leg of the final. The South Africans and the Egyptians will not give an inch.
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On paper, Mamelodi Sundowns go in as favourites. The South Africans have already won the CAF Champions League (2016) and reached another final in 2001. Above all, the "Brazilians" are regulars in the late stages of the competition. Above all, Mamelodi Sundowns are the 3rd richest club in Africa.
Opposite them, Pyramids FC look tiny. Founded in 2008, the Egyptian club only reached the top flight for the first time in 2014. They now find themselves in the Champions League final for the first time in their history, thanks largely to their new Emirati owner Salem Al Shamsi, who has spent millions to attract some of the best players on the continent.
Attack against defence
Indeed, with players like Congolese Fiston Mayele and Egypt's Ibrahim Adel, who top the scoring charts in this Champions League (5 goals), Pyramids FC have solid arguments to go all the way. They also boast the best attack in the tournament, with 21 goals scored.
However, they will need to be wary, because at the other end there is an almost impregnable wall: with 5 goals conceded, Mamelodi Sundowns have the best defence in the competition. The South African club also have another advantage: Pyramids FC have scored only one away goal in this season's Champions League. Kick-off for this first leg is at 13:00 GMT.