CAPE TOWN – Two Egyptian clubs will take on South African opponents on Saturday in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, marking a rare bilateral showdown in the competition.
Defending champions Al-Ahly continue their pursuit of a fifth title in six seasons as they face Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria at 3:00pm Cairo local time.
Despite having inflicted a historic defeat on Al-Ahly in the past, Sundowns have often struggled to translate group-stage dominance into success in the knockout rounds.
Later on Saturday, Pyramids FC aim to reinforce their rapid rise as a continental force when they clash with Orlando Pirates in Soweto at 6:00pm Cairo local time.
The return legs are both in Cairo next Friday with the winners advancing to the two-legged final at the end of May and in early June, Reuters reported.
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly is the dominant force in African football and has won 12 previous CAF Champions League titles while the other three semi-finalists have two triumphs between them — Pirates in 1995 and Sundowns in 2016.
But despite their strong track record, Ahly is not favourites after unconvincing performances in the league phase, where they were runners-up in their group.
There has been criticism of their Swiss coach Marcel Koller in recent days after they also stumbled against Pyramids in the Egyptian league.
Sundowns handed Ahly a record 5-0 defeat in the 2019 quarter-finals and also scored five against them in Pretoria two years ago in the group phase.
But the South African club, owned by the family of Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, has a long history of falling short in the knockout rounds.
Pyramids are competing in the Champions League for only the second time.
Opponents Pirates were one of only two unbeaten sides in the group competition and have won three away matches in North Africa in this season´s campaign.
But they will need home success on Saturday to ensure a defendable lead to take to Cairo for the return leg.
It is not the first-time clubs from two countries have clashed in both Champions League semi-finals.
In the 2020, Al-Ahly beat Morocco´s Wydad Casablanca 5-1 on aggregate in their semi-final, while Zamalek was too good for Raja Casablanca, winning 4-1 over their two ties.
Al-Ahly edged Cairo rivals Zamalek 2-1 in the final in the Egyptian capital.
Orlando Pirates return to the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since 2013, while Egyptian side Pyramids FC make their debut at this stage in what promises to be a fascinating clash of football cultures.
Pirates’ Approach: Jose Riveiro has transformed the Buccaneers into a defensively solid unit with lethal counter-attacking capability.
What stands out about this Pirates team is their balance—Thapelo Xoki’s composure in defence, Patrick Maswanganyi’s spark in midfield, and Evidence Makgopa’s menace up front.
Pyramids’ Style: In contrast, Pyramids employ a high-pressing, possession-based football philosophy led by technical midfielders.
Their 4-1 demolition of FAR Rabat in the first leg of the quarter-finals demonstrated just how explosive they can be when given space to operate.
The clash features several fascinating individual battles that could determine the outcome:
Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa will test himself against Pyramids’ experienced defensive line.
The midfield battle between Maswanganyi (Pirates) and Ramadan Sobhi (Pyramids) could be the decisive factor
For Pirates, this represents a chance to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite after years in the continental wilderness. For their fans—the Ghost—this revival has been long awaited.
Pyramids, meanwhile, are looking to complete their rapid rise by reaching a final in just their first CAF Champions League campaign. As newcomers backed by significant financial resources, they’re aiming to disrupt the established order.
Pirates’ experience in hostile African venues will be vital for the second leg in Cairo. Their recent form shows tremendous mental strength—they’ve won their last three away CAF Champions League matches without conceding.
