Mamelodi Sundowns Aim to Overcome 'Chokers' Label in CAF Champions League Final Against Pyramids
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African football club, are set to face Egypt's Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final, seeking to shed their 'chokers' reputation. The first leg will be hosted by Sundowns in Pretoria, followed by the second leg in Cairo. Despite their consistent performance in reaching the later stages of the tournament, Sundowns have struggled in knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Pyramids, a relatively new club with significant financial backing, are making their debut in the final after disrupting the traditional dominance of Al Ahly and Zamalek in Egyptian football.
Key Points
Mamelodi Sundowns, based in Pretoria, are favored to win their second CAF Champions League title.
Sundowns have reached the quarter-finals or beyond in seven of the last eight tournaments but have been criticized for underperforming in knockout stages.
Pyramids, from Cairo, are competing in their first CAF Champions League final, having only been established in 2008 and later gaining financial support from Saudi and UAE investors.
Sundowns are owned by the family of Patrice Motsepe, who has significantly invested in the club, allowing them to sign players from South America.
Pyramids have challenged the dominance of Egypt's traditional powerhouses, Al Ahly and Zamalek, and are also competing for their first Egyptian league title.
