CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates Ends Group Stage Unbeaten With a Statement Win

The Orlando Pirates defeated Al Ahly, the current CAF Champions League champions, 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, making a statement. Al Ahly finished second in Group C with 10 points, while the Buccaneers took first place with 14 points thanks to the victory.

Despite the fact that both sides had already qualified for the quarterfinals, the match was fraught with tension, with group leadership at risk. Al Ahly dominated the first half, creating numerous chances through Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali, but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made several key saves to preserve the game tied.

When Relebohile Mofokeng took advantage of a defensive blunder in the 49th minute of the second half, Orlando Pirates took the lead. Hussein El Shahat of Al Ahly equalized in the 69th minute by chipping Chaine.

However, the Buccaneers regained the lead in the 80th minute with a team effort involving substitutes Kabelo Dlamini, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Gilberto. After Mabasa’s header hit the crossbar, Gilberto headed in the rebound to score his first competitive goal for Pirates.

Rami Rabia scored in injury time as Al Ahly attempted a late equalizer, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In Cairo, the South African team persevered to end an undefeated group stage campaign with a historic triumph.

Pirates coach José Riveiro praised his team’s resilience and focus, stating that the win was a message of belief for his players rather than a warning to competitors. With this result, Orlando Pirates reaffirm their status as serious contenders for the CAF Champions League title.