Will Al Ahly's Historic Unbeaten Streak End in South Africa?

When Al Ahly takes on the Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg this Saturday, they want to continue their remarkable 25-game winning streak in the CAF Champions League. The Cairo squad, who are presently leading the group, just ahead of their South African counterparts on goal differential, may face a difficult test in this encounter, which is part of Group C's second round.

The Red Devils’ last defeat in the competition was on March 11, 2023, when they lost 2-5 to Mamelodi Sundowns. Since then, Al Ahly have played 25 matches over three seasons without losing a single time. However, their strong record could be tested by their recent performances and history of playing in South Africa.

With two draws in their most recent Egyptian Premier League games, Al Ahly's domestic results have been patchy. Pressure is increased by the fact that the team has a poor record in South Africa, having lost seven of their 15 previous trips and drawn eight. Their inability to adapt to South African circumstances was brought to light on their most recent tour, where they lost 1-0 to Sundowns in the African Football League semifinals.

The match today will also see how well Al Ahly can adjust to Johannesburg's intense heat, which is predicted to reach 33°C—much hotter than Cairo's typical temperatures. Their preparation is made much more difficult by the 3 PM start, which is when Al Ahly rarely plays.

Al Ahly will be committed to extending their winning streak and earning vital points in their quest for another African championship, regardless of the odds. Their campaign's overall tone may be determined by how this meeting turns out.