Mamelodi Sundowns conceded at the death to settle for a 1-1 draw against Pyramids in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday.

The Brazilians were on the brink of a win at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria, but the visitors fought to the end to salvage a draw.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa was on the scoresheet for Sundowns early in the second half.

Pyramids had the last say with Walid El Karti’s stoppage-time header silencing the home crowd.

The two sides will meet at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo for the second leg on Sunday, 1 June, and this tie is wide open.

Coming into the match in Pretoria, Sundowns were the overwhelming favourites.

However, the first half threw out a different script with the visitors showing intent. Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele was given acres of space on a couple of occasions, but couldn’t capitalize.

With Pyramids looking the better side, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso pulled off Tashreeq Matthews after just 37 minutes, with Jayden Adams coming into his place to plug in the holes in midfield.

The score was goalless at the interval.

Ribeiro’s strike in the 54th minute gave Sundowns hope of a home win, which was dashed by El Karti’s late goal, and now, Pyramids hold the advantage with the away goal.

Sundowns XI: Williams, Mudau, Lebusa, Kekana, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Matthews, Ribeiro, Rayners, Sales.

Pyramids XI: El-Shenaway, Chibi, Mahmouud, Saad, Eldin, El Sawy, Toure, El-Karti, Abdelmonem, Mayele, Adel.