Khoza: Sundowns know the plan to sink Pyramids in Cairo

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza believes his side’s deep tactical understanding and unity will give them the edge as they prepare to face Egypt’s Pyramids FC in Sunday’s decisive second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final.

The tie is finely poised after a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria.

Now, with everything to play for in Cairo, Khoza says Sundowns are calm, focused, and confident they can get the job done on enemy territory.

“We are very confident in our team,” Khoza said.

“It’s true that the first leg was difficult, but I think we will perform well.”

Sundowns are chasing their first Champions League title since 2016, and they will need all their experience and mental strength to prevail at the Air Defense Stadium, where Pyramids FC are unbeaten in this season’s competition.

The 27-year-old full-back pointed to the tactical lessons from the first leg as key to unlocking their Egyptian opponents.

“We know what we will do to win, we know how they (Pyramids) will play, and we know how we will exploit the spaces,” he said.

“We will support each other and move forward.”

Khoza’s measured confidence mirrors that of the broader Sundowns camp, where coach and players like Tebogo Mokoena have all emphasised the importance of belief and execution in what could be a historic night for the club.

The South African champions have already dispatched African heavyweights like Al Ahly en route to the final, showing their ability to deliver when it matters most.

Their trademark possession-based football and compact defensive structure have made them one of the most tactically disciplined sides on the continent.

Sunday's showdown in Cairo will not only crown a new African club champion, but could also reshape the African football landscape.

A win for Pyramids would make them the fourth different Egyptian club to lift the trophy — an unprecedented feat for any single country.

But Khoza is not dwelling on Pyramids' ambitions.

His focus is on ensuring that Sundowns impose themselves and bring the trophy back to Pretoria.

“It’s a big match for all of us,” he concluded.

“But we know what’s required. We’re ready.”