Slug: sundowns-vs-pyramids-caf-finals-2025
Meta Title: Discover our predictions on the CAF final 2025 – what are the odds and what to expect.
Meta Description: Sundowns will face the Pyramids in the CAF finals. Find out who will become the champion.
CAF Final 2025: Sundowns vs. Pyramids – Who Will Reign in Africa?
The 2025 CAF Champions League Final is finally here, and it promises to be a showdown for the ages. In one corner, Mamelodi Sundowns, the pride of South African football and consistent continental contenders. In the other, Pyramids FC, the Egyptian disruptors rewriting the pecking order in North African football.
The final will take place on May 24, 2025, at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis, with tens of millions expected to tune in across Africa and the diaspora. More than just silverware is on the line—this match could signal a new balance of power in African club football. Fans can stay updated and place bets on this match on 1Win Africa.
The Road to the 2025 CAF Final: Did Pyramids get disqualified for CAF Final?
The journey to the Final of this year’s CAF Champions League has been full of surprises. Mamelodi Sundowns began as obvious favorites, while Pyramids FC managed their way through some of the most difficult and memorable of their club games.
With a difficult mouth-of-the-nails stages and tough playoff fixtures, both Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids have qualified for the Champions League final with its rich prize-money. This final is very exciting due to the differing paths each team took: Sundowns moved forward with relentless assurance and stability, in direct contrast with Pyramids’ story of perseverance, strategic growth, and signature wins. There were even rumors of Pyramids FC disqualified from the CAF final.
How Mamelodi Sundowns Reached the Summit
This year, Sundowns have delivered all the trappings of a title contender. They rose up as Group A leaders with 14 points, comfortably beating TP Mazembe, Al Hilal, and ES Sétif. They not only topped the table but held the ball 62% of the time on average, had more passes than any other side, and the least number of goals in Group A.
The quarter-final opposition from Raja Casablanca has thrown their poise under the microscope, but Sundowns have secured a 4–2 aggregate victory. Sundowns made short work of Esperance de Tunis 3–1 to set up a final. Peter Shalulile’s two strikes in the second leg sealed the deal, putting him up to seven overall goals in the tournament. Rulani Mokwena’s leadership has helped Sundowns to gain the potent blend of African exuberance and European strategic excellence.
Pyramids FC’s Breakthrough Journey
Pyramids FC’s path to the final has been filled with defining moments. After topping Group C—which included seasoned sides like Wydad Casablanca, Simba SC, and AS FAR Rabat—they proved their credentials by knocking out Al Ahly in the quarters, arguably their biggest win ever.
The semi-final against CR Belouizdad was a testament to their defensive discipline and strategic flexibility. A 1–0 away win in Algiers followed by a commanding 2–0 home victory ensured their place in the final. Their star performers have been Fagrie Lakay, Ramadan Sobhi, and the evergreen Ahmed Fathi, whose leadership has galvanized the squad. Manager Jaime Pacheco deserves credit for transitioning Pyramids from a flashy project to a tight-knit, battle-hardened team.
Tactical Matchup and Key Players
This isn’t just a battle of players—it’s a war of footballing philosophies, Sundowns vs Pyramids. Mokwena’s Sundowns operate with positional awareness, high pressing, and clever overloads in the midfield. In contrast, Pyramids FC under Jaime Pacheco emphasize structure, transition play, and capitalizing on mistakes.
The tactical chess match may well be won or lost in midfield, where Mokoena and Jali will try to outmaneuver Pyramids’ compact trio of Karti, Fathi, and Hassan. With such tight margins, it may only take a moment of brilliance from Shalulile or a defensive lapse to change the tide.
Predicted Lineups & Coaching Styles
Expect Mokwena’s 4-2-2-2 formation to stay intact. Sundowns rely heavily on fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba to stretch play and feed quick transitions. Andile Jali and Mokoena will control tempo in the double pivot, while Shalulile leads the line alongside Lucas Ribeiro.
Pyramids FC will likely respond with a 4-3-3 setup, prioritizing midfield stability with Ali Gabr, Ibrahim Hassan, and Walid El Karti anchoring central zones. Lakay and Sobhi will exploit space on the wings, and Mostafa Fathi might play as a false nine to confuse Sundowns’ backline.
It will be a clash between ball-dominant play versus structured counter-attacks—the winner could be the side that best adapts in-game.
Players to Watch in the Final Showdown
- Peter Shalulile: A natural poacher with explosive movement, Shalulile is in form and high on confidence. He’s Sundowns’ biggest X-factor.
- Teboho Mokoena: The midfield controller and set-piece specialist has a knack for unlocking deep blocks. His vision could break Pyramids’ compact shape.
- Fagrie Lakay: Quick on the turn and deadly in transition, Lakay has scored in both the quarterfinal and semi-final. Sundowns must mark him closely.
- Ahmed Fathi: The veteran defender is likely playing his last CAF Champions League final. His leadership and tactical awareness could be the difference.
The Stakes Beyond the Trophy
The CAF Champions league points to the top accomplishment of African club football, but for 2025, the prize overthrows simply winning the title. A win again would strengthen Sundowns’ regional power, enhance their CAF coefficient, and increase chances of them ending up among the draw as a top seed for Super League and the Champions League in 2026.
This final is an important milestone for Pyramids. And for African football fans? This final signals the break of a new age when success is to be driven by innovation rather than history legacy alone.
What Victory Means for African Club Football
The Mamelodi Sundowns would be officially certified as one of Africa’s best teams if they could win a second CAF Champions League crown. A win in this tournament would represent a first for South Africa since 2016 and be very symbolic for South African football, where North African clubs regularly have an upper hand.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC are in line for the history books. Born just six years ago, they are on the edge of history having become the first debutant finalist to win the CAF champions league since Raja Casablanca did so in 1989. An achievement by Pyramids FC would validate their status back home, test the validity of the belief that legacy teams dominate the success equation in Africa and inspire other African squads to think strategically, promote youth and have big plans.
Regional Pride and Continental Legacy
Sundowns represent more than just South Africa—they’re carrying the hopes of Southern Africa, including fans in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and beyond. A win would strengthen their case as a beacon of professional excellence in the region.
Pyramids FC, by toppling Al Ahly and now potentially Sundowns, signal a generational shift. Egyptian fans, divided in loyalty, recognize that a new dynasty could be forming, one built on fresh ideas rather than history alone.
Betting Breakdown: Odds, Trends & Fan Insights
African football fans aren’t just watching—they’re participating. From Accra to Addis Ababa, fans are taking predictions to platforms like 1Win Togo, which has emerged as a go-to app for live sports betting.
Real-time data, mobile compatibility, and bonus offers for new users make it easy to get involved before and during the match. Odds are tight, showing a nearly even split in support—underscoring how unpredictable this final really is.
Whether it’s predicting the first goalscorer, total corners, or halftime score, fans on 1Win have more ways than ever to test their football knowledge and feel a part of the final’s drama.
What the Markets Say: CAF Champions League quarter final draw
As of May 10, Sundowns are slight favorites with odds around 1.85, reflecting their cohesion and CAF pedigree. Pyramids FC are listed at 3.10, with the CAF Quarter Final Draw 2025 hovering near 2.95, indicating that sportsbooks expect a closely fought encounter.
The Over/Under markets lean towards a low-scoring affair, likely due to both teams’ strong defensive records. “Under 2.5 goals” is trending at 1.72, while “Both Teams to Score” sits near 2.05.
Prop bets include:
- Shalulile to score anytime: 2.40
- Lakay first goalscorer: 4.50
- Final to go to extra time: 3.75
How Fans Are Backing Their Teams
On 1Win, a modern, mobile-friendly betting platform trusted by users across Africa, fans are casting their predictions with purpose:
- 62% of total bets favor Sundowns to win in regulation time.
- Most popular combo bet: Sundowns win + Under 2.5 goals.
- In Egypt and Nigeria, fans are split, with live in-play betting expected to spike post kickoff.
1Win offers enhanced odds and final-specific bonuses, making it easy for fans to follow their teams and profit from predictions. With live stats and fast payouts, it’s become the go-to platform for football fans across Togo, Ghana, and South Africa.
Tap into the action and track betting trends on 1Win for the CAF Champions League Final.
Final Thoughts and Scoreline Predictions
This final has all the elements of a classic: emerging dynasties, regional rivalries, tactical chess, and passionate fans. Sundowns have the experience and tactical consistency, while Pyramids bring unpredictability and hunger.
Our data-informed prediction:
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 – 1 Pyramids FC
- Goalscorers: Shalulile (Sundowns), Lakay (Pyramids), Ribeiro (Sundowns)
- Possession: Sundowns 58%
- Shots on Target: Sundowns 6, Pyramids 3
- Man of the Match: Teboho Mokoena
Conquering the final will; secure a place at the CAF Super League 2025/26 and enable the winning team to break the pot one before next season’s champions league. If Sundowns win they can leap to CAF’s top three while Pyramids winning can shake up the pyramid and Egyptian club order and play them above Zamalek in seeding.
Both clubs stand to gain a lot in earning lucrative prize money, more sponsorship and international coverage. More than anything else, this takeaway might motivate a generation of African sides to seek and win the highest glory on the continent.
