The CAF Champions League semi-finals remain delicately poised, with both ties offering everything but goals in tightly contested first legs. As Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates prepare for crucial away fixtures in Egypt, the door to the final remains wide open for both South African giants.
Sundowns will be aiming to book a place in their second-ever Champions League final when they take on defending champions Al Ahly at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off). Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates face a stern test against Pyramids FC at the 30 June Stadium, with their clash scheduled for 8pm (SA time).
Here, Obakeng Meletse explores five key talking points ahead of these eagerly anticipated semi-final encounters.
Backs against the wall but the away goal rule might come to the rescue.
Both South African sides would have hoped to be more assertive in the first legs, but after surviving nervy moments—including VAR interventions that ruled out goals initially awarded on the field—they now head to Egypt bracing for an attacking onslaught from their opponents.
However, the goalless draws they secured at home could work in their favor, as any score draw in the return legs would see them progress on away goals.
Playing to your strengths.
Pirates topped their group and remain unbeaten in the tournament heading into the second leg. Their early-season success—marked by an MTN8 triumph and a strong start in the Betway Premiership—was built on an exciting, attack-minded brand of football.
However, they’ve recently had to adopt a more cautious approach, particularly in their quarter-final tie against MC Alger, where they protected a narrow 1-0 first-leg lead. That kind of tactical flexibility is often essential in the CAF Champions League, where the ability to adapt can define a team’s fate. Still, against a Pyramids side likely to come out firing, Pirates might find that the best form of defense could be in attack.
Sundowns need to capitalise on the psychological edge
The Brazilians have played the 12-time champions a lot more than many other sides in the continent, and with their recent record against the Egyptian giants heavily on their side, they need to use it to their advantage.
Sundowns have always travelled well to Egypt and they are unbeaten in their last three visits against the North African team, including their African Football League semi-final clash in 2023.
Pirates need their youngsters to step up to the plate, once again.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been one of the most impressive youngsters in the Buccaneers setup, and he has played a key role in his side having only conceded four goals throughout the tournament despite joining up with the team in the latter parts of the tournament.
Mohau Nkota has already had a huge impact on their progression so far, scoring three crucial goals, but they will be desperate for their key player, Relebohile Mofokeng, to bring some of his bright sparks in the penultimate round.
Miguel Cardoso is in line to snake his second final in a row.
Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso guided Esperance de Tunis to last year’s CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly, and although his side narrowly lost 1-0 on aggregate, that experience could prove invaluable as he looks to steer Sundowns beyond the semi-final hurdle after two previous failures.
Sundowns last reached the final in 2016—the year they lifted the trophy—and given the squad’s depth, experience, and momentum this season, they may now be better positioned than ever before to make a long-awaited return to the final.
