Marumo Gallants were close to securing a historic away win over Pyramids but conceded a late penalty to take a 1-1 draw back to South African from their first leg CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening.
The home side came into the tie as overwhelming favourites, as they boast one of the most expensively assembled squads in African football.
But as Gallants have done all season in the competition – they defied expectations with a monumental defensive performance with Mpho Mvelase a standout player on the night.
Gallants held the Egyptian side to 0-0 at the break with less than 35% of the ball but for their efforts, it probably was a fair reflection.
Holding out with the scoring potential of Ranga Chavaviro was the clear game plan and it was no surprise when he headed home the opener just before the hour mark.
His 15th goal of the season stunned Jamie Pacheco’s side and he nearly doubled the lead with a silky run before firing a left footed shot moments later.
But neither side managed to find the net for large parts of the game, despite it opening up in the end of the fixture as Gallants take a vital away victory back to South Africa next week.
But the home side received a penalty late in the game after a handball by second-half substitute Sibusiso Kumalo, which was converted by Ramadan Sobhi.
