1st-7th June 2025: Top Picks in African Sport This Week

June has gotten off to a great start for African sports and has the entire continent buzzing with an exciting blend of basketball, athletics action, and, of course, the ever-present and all-around loving game of football.

Sport Blot brings you a summary of the week's most noteworthy African sporting events.

Pyramids FC Make History With Maiden CAF Champions League Triumph

Pyramids FC of Egypt defeated South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at home to clinch the CAF Champions League for the first time ever, securing a 3-2 victory overall.

On May 24th, Sport Blot reported that the African finalists played their opening leg of the CAF Champions League final in Pretoria, which ended in a 1-1 draw. 

In the second leg, which took place on June 1st, Pyramids FC took the lead in the tie for the first time when Fiston Mayele, the tournament’s top scorer, beat Rowen Williams from close range in the 23rd minute.

After a protracted Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, Ahmed Samy’s diving header in the 56th minute made it 2-0 for the evening and 3-1 on aggregate.

Iqraam Rayners was able to pull one back 15 minutes before the end of the game, but ultimately, the visitors were unable to produce an equaliser that would have given them an automatic victory on away goals.

Pyramids FC earned $4 million in prize money and made African football history by winning 10 minutes of extra time at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Al-Hilal Return With Improved €140m Bid After Osimhen's Initial Rejection

Al-Hilal has reversed course after opting to enhance its offer to Napoli and Victor Osimhen in an effort to come to a quick agreement.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed this in an X post on Friday. Recall that the Saudi Arabian giants had reportedly pulled out of the race to sign the 26-year-old Nigerian striker due to his exorbitant price tag.

According to reports, Osimhen was requesting a £500,000 weekly salary, which Al-Hilal was unwilling to provide.

However, new developments have emerged after Romano revealed that the Saudi Arabian club returned with an improved deal for the striker, with over €70m to Napoli and an increased salary.

The transfer expert also added that Galatasaray are keen on keeping the on-loan Nigerian international on a permanent deal amid continued interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Manchester United Prepare Official Bid for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United are anticipated to initiate negotiations with Brentford over striker Bryan Mbuemo. 

The manager of the club, Ruben Amorim, is making it a priority to sign more hitting firepower this summer to strengthen their struggling attack.

In the just-concluded season, Manchester United only managed 44 Premier League goals, the fifth-lowest in the league, despite spending a fortune to sign Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee, who managed four and three goals respectively.

United have already completed the signing of Wolves forward, Matheus Cunha and would be expected to finalise his transfer to Old Trafford after concluding his international duties with Brazil.

The 25-year-old Cameroonian international Mbuemo scored 20 goals in the league last season, and United is confident they will make a move for him this summer since they are his top target.

READ ALSO: 25th-31st May 2025: Top Picks in African Sport This Week

World Boxing Apologises for Citing Khelif in Controversial Rule Amendment

World Boxing has issued an apology after Olympic champion Imane Khelif was mentioned in the governing body’s announcement of mandatory sex tests.

The Algerian was singled out in its new policy, which was announced last week. It states that Khelif will not be permitted to compete in the competition’s female division unless the fighter passes the test.

In recent reports by BBC Sport, the president of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst has since recognised that "the athlete's privacy should have been protected" and wrote to the Algerian Boxing Federation to apologise.

Sport Blot reported last week that the International Boxing Association (IBA) barred Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 World Championships for allegedly breaching gender eligibility tests.

COSAFA Cup 2025 Kicks Off in South Africa

On June 4th, 2025, the 24th COSAFA Cup got underway in Bloemfontein, South Africa. 14 teams are vying for regional dominance in southern Africa in the tournament.

Group B is where the reigning champions, Angola, start their title defence. The Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium and the Free State Stadium, both of which have historic significance, are the two locations where the matches are being played.

Basketball Africa League Playoffs Set to Begin in Pretoria

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is preparing for its playoff phase, which will take place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to 14, 2025. 

Pretoria will host the playoffs and finals for the first time. With Petro de Luanda as the defending champions heading into the playoffs, the fifth season of the BAL has featured top basketball talent from all around the continent. 

The 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup will grant the BAL winners the opportunity to compete.