Pyramids vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Kenyan Referees Take Charge of CAF Champions League Final
- Two Kenyan referees were part of the officials who took charge of the 2025 CAF Champions League final in Egypt
- Gilbert Cheruyiot and Stephen Yiembe have led decorated careers officiating in high-profile games in big tournaments across the world
- Pyramids FC beat South African side Mamelodi Sundowns to win their maiden Champions League trophy
Two Kenyan referees took charge of a high-profile match on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Source: UGC
Which game did the Kenyan officials take charge of?
Stephen Yiembe and Gilbert Cheruyiot were the assistant referees at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, when Pyramids played Mamelodi Sundowns in this season's CAF Champions League final. The game was the second leg after a one-all draw in Pretoria last week.
Cheruyiot served as the first assistant referee, while Yiembe ran the line as the second assistant referee. Somalian official Omar Artan was the centre referee for the huge game.
Who are Stephen Yiembe and Gilbert Cheruyiot?
The two are no strangers to the game and are among the most decorated servants of football Kenya has ever produced.
Yiembe began officiating in 2012 but received his FIFA badge in 2018. He is the only referee from the CECAFA region who has been appointed to be a part of the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup that will take place in the United States of America later this month.
Cheruyiot, meanwhile, is arguably the most experienced Kenyan official, having received his FIFA badge in 2013. He has officiated at three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Tokyo Olympics, among other high-profile roles.
How the referees performed in the CAF Champions League final
Given how high the stakes were, the game wasn't without its controversies, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) forced to come in on multiple occasions.
The VAR checked and confirmed non-offside calls in the Pyramids' second goal and Sundowns' goal.
Pyramids beat Mamelodi Sundowns to win first title
Pyramids finished off a gallant campaign by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) to win their first CAF Champions League title.
The Egyptian side have led a perfect campaign this season under Croatian manager Krunoslav Jurcic.
Fiston Mayele capitalised on a mistake from Grant Kekana to open the scoring in the 23rd minute. The former Young Africans striker rifled a powerful shot which Ronwen Williams could do nothing about.
Pyramids doubled their lead in the second half after Ahmed Samy met a Mohamed Chibi cross, planting his header past Williams.
The Egyptian side had their goalkeeper, Ahmed Al Shenawy, to thank as he repeatedly made some heroic saves to put Sundowns at bay. The South Africans finally pulled one back through Iqraam Rayners, but it wasn't enough as Pyramids made history.
Source: Getty Images
"I don't know what to say. We achieved the accomplishment and were able to win the African Championship, and we deserved it. In the end, this championship is a reward for all of us and for the work we have done," said Jurcic via Pan-African Football.
What next for Pyramids and Mamelodi Sundowns?
Pyramids will have a short period to recover as they face Zamalek FC in the Egyptian Cup final on Wednesday. They are chasing a double this season, after losing the league title to record champions Al Ahly under controversial circumstances.
Sundowns, meanwhile, won the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title for the eighth time in a row. The Brazilians will be in action at the FIFA Club World Cup as one of the four African representatives. They will play Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense and Ulsan in Group F.
PSG win UEFA Champions League
In Europe, Paris Saint-Germain won their first UEFA Champions League after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the May 31 final.
PSG were ruthless from start to finish. Desire Doue scored twice, with further goals from Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and substitute Senny Mayulu completing the famous win in Munich.
Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards preview
Closer home, the 97th edition of the Mashemeji derby will take place on Monday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Gor Mahia will welcome their sworn rivals to the lakeside city, looking to keep their slim hopes of retaining the league title alive.
The game was moved to Homa Bay due to the unavailability of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
