Downs must seize 'advantage' after Pyramids suffer 'disaster'

IN a rare twist of fortune for a South African football team in CAF competitions, Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves in a promising position ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The clash against Egypt's Pyramids FC on Sunday in Cairo follows a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Stadium last weekend. While Sundowns are looking to secure their second Champions League star, the challenges for Pyramids FC have mounted significantly.

Despite scoring a valuable away goal in Pretoria, Pyramids head into the return leg under testing circumstances. The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association has refused to postpone their league fixture against Ceramica Cleopatra, which was scheduled for Wednesday — just days before the continental final.

This decision has prompted coach Krunoslav Jurčić to label the situation a "disaster." He expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of support from the domestic football authorities, leaving his side to face a relentless schedule with little respite.