Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC will face off in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, May 24.

Sundowns have reached the Champions League final for the third time, having previously won in 2016 and been runners-up in 2001. This year, they finished second in Group B, behind ASFAR, and advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Esperance de Tunis and Al Ahly on away goals.

After clinching their eighth consecutive domestic championship, Sundowns aim for continental success, though coach Miguel Cardoso noted that the Champions League is tougher than the Betway Premiership.

“With all due respect to the Premiership, this is another level we are going to face,” said Cardoso. “We have a very tough challenge ahead in this Champions League final. We also need to be strong and play high-quality football.”

Pyramids set to compete in their first Champions League final after previously reaching the Confederation Cup final in 2020. They advanced by finishing second in Group D, defeating ASFAR and Orlando Pirates in knockout rounds.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic has a tactical plan for the first leg, focusing on a balanced approach to counter their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Pyramids and Sundowns have faced each other twice in the current Champions League, with a 0-0 draw in Pretoria and a 1-0 win for Sundowns in Cairo. Sundowns have a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses against Egyptian teams, while Pyramids have 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses against South African teams.

The return match will take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, June 1.