Mayele Shines as Pyramids Secure Hard-Fought CAF Champions League Victory

Reigning CAF Champions League champions Pyramids FC continued their dominant start to the new campaign with a determined 1–0 victory over Power Dynamos in Zambia on Saturday. The Egyptian side, who lifted their first-ever Champions League title last season, maintained a flawless Group A record after two matchdays—thanks once again to the brilliance of Mahmoud Mayele.

The prolific Congolese forward, renowned for his lethal finishing, showcased another dimension of his game by turning provider early in the second half. After 51 minutes, Mayele sliced through the opposing defence before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Mohamed Reda, who delicately chipped the ball over goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga. The finish was calm, composed and clinical, securing all three points for the travelling Egyptian giants.

Mayele’s Impact Continues to Define Pyramids’ Continental Ambitions

Mayele has long been a decisive figure for Pyramids on the continental stage, and his influence shows no sign of fading. Last season, Mayele netted nine goals in the CAF Champions League, establishing himself as one of the most feared forwards in Africa and playing a crucial role in Pyramids’ historic title-winning run.

As the club now targets back-to-back Champions League crowns, Mayele remains central to their ambition. His combination of power, intelligence and versatility gives Pyramids a dynamic edge. Whether scoring or creating—as he did against Power Dynamos—Mayele consistently provides the spark that keeps Pyramids among Africa’s elite.

With this latest assist, Mayele reinforces his status as the club’s heartbeat in attack and a player capable of influencing high-stakes matches in multiple ways.

Saturday’s clash in Johannesburg was far from straightforward for the defending champions. Late in the first half, captain and first-choice goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy suffered a knee injury while rushing out to block an effort from Ghanaian forward Daniel Adoko. Forced off the field, he was replaced by Mahmoud Gad, who stepped up under pressure and kept a well-earned clean sheet.

Despite the disruption, Pyramids remained disciplined, organized and efficient. Their defensive structure held firm, and their midfield controlled the tempo in challenging away conditions. The narrow 1–0 scoreline reflected their resilience and ability to grind out results—qualities essential for any team with aspirations of winning the Champions League.

Although Pyramids have secured two wins from two matches, they currently trail Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in Group A on goal difference. Both clubs sit on six points, setting up a thrilling double-header in January following the Africa Cup of Nations.

Berkane claimed a dramatic 2–1 victory over Rivers United in Nigeria on Friday, with Youness El Kaabi and Mounir Chouiar scoring deep into stoppage time to overturn a 1–0 deficit. Their ability to snatch late wins mirrors that of Pyramids—making their upcoming clashes potential group deciders.

For Pyramids, the fixtures against Berkane will be crucial in determining whether they maintain momentum and secure early qualification to the knockout stages. With Mayele in exceptional form, the Egyptian champions will believe they can overcome any challenge.

Across the continent, the CAF Champions League delivered more drama. Angolan side Petro Luanda saw their impressive five-match winning streak—spanning qualifiers and group games—come to an end after a late 1–1 draw against Tunisian giants Esperance in Group D.

Petro opened the scoring just four minutes into the second half through Brazilian forward Tiago Reis, who netted his fifth goal of the season, putting him atop the tournament’s scoring charts. But their celebrations were short-lived. Malian attacker Aboubacar Diakite equalised in the 89th minute for Esperance, notching his third goal of the campaign and breaking Petro’s previously perfect defensive record.

The result leaves Group D finely poised, with only a point separating the top sides. On Sunday, Stade Malien of Mali host a struggling Simba SC from Tanzania. A win for Stade Malien would move them level with Petro on four points. Meanwhile, four-time champions Esperance sit on two points and will be eager to climb the table in the coming rounds.

Pyramids’ early Champions League form suggests a team ready to defend their title with conviction. Their mix of tactical maturity, squad depth and individual star power continues to deliver results. And at the centre of it all stands Mayele—still scoring, still creating, still pushing Pyramids toward another historic season.

As the continental campaign unfolds, one thing is increasingly clear: if Pyramids hope to emulate clubs like Al Ahly, Enyimba, Esperance and TP Mazembe by winning consecutive titles, Mayele will be one of the pillars guiding them there.