Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a crucial away win at Egyptian Premier League leaders Pyramids FC, beating them 1-0 thanks to a goal by Teboho Mokoena.
Sundowns enjoyed more ball possession in the opening exchanges, rotating the ball even though they couldn’t create many opportunities.
It was in the 17th minute when Mokoena opened the scoring with a thunderous low shot from range.
In the 38th minute, Sundowns made a forced change with the goalscorer Mokoena picking up a knock. In his place came Bongani Zungu, who last played his Champions League match against Noudhibou last month.
The match went to half-time with the 2016 African champions leading 1-0.
In the second half, Pyramids FC coach Jaime Pacheco introduced winger Mostafa Fathi in an effort to invigorate their attacking line. However, the Egyptian international failed to make the anticipated impact.
Sundowns effectively controlled the game, preventing the home team from creating any significant scoring opportunities during the second half.
With only a minute left in injury time, Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdi came close to scoring the equalizer, but his shot narrowly missed the post.
Following this result, Pyramids FC find themselves at the bottom of the group with four points, significantly diminishing their chances of advancing to the competition’s quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Sundowns climbed to the top of the group with 7 points, leading second-placed TP Mazembe on goal difference.