With Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC eager to secure their place in the coveted CAF Champions League final, Friday’s Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo promises a battle of tactical prowess.
Their tense first leg in Johannesburg last week ended in a goalless draw. However, the match was rife with drama after the intervention of VAR that controversially disallowed two goals from Pyramids, leaving the North African players and their fans alike eager for redemption.
This week, Pyramids and Orlando Pirates benefited from a brief hiatus in their domestic leagues due to match postponements, allowing them ample time to regroup and refine their strategies. This extended rest period could prove vital as each team aims to harness their momentum.
Pirates arrived in Cairo on Tuesday and will try to snatch a ticket to the final, although Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic believes his team will fare better in the second leg.
Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic believes his team will thrive in the electrifying atmosphere expected at the game. He believes Pirates might battle with the intensity of the occasion and might be “shocked” trying to adapt to the environment.
“We have adapted to the situation (intensity of the occasion), but maybe it will be a big shock for Orlando,” said the Croatian-born Jurcic.
“Orlando are a dangerous team when they play away. “They have fast players who allow them to play this kind of football, where they can stay at the back and catch the opponent on counterattacks.
“I know them, I’ve watched all their matches (in the Champions League), and I will prepare accordingly for them.”
Jurcic’s opposite number, Spaniard Jose Riveiro has transformed Pirates 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.
In the wake of a tumultuous first leg where two goals by Pyramids FC were disallowed, coach Riveiro is acutely aware that the second leg poses a significant tactical challenge. He must take decisive steps to counteract the explosive capabilities of the Egyptians, which have proven to be highly effective when afforded space.
Pyramids displayed remarkable attacking prowess and threatened to break through the defence several times. Riveiro’s target will be to tighten his defensive strategy while devising a plan to exploit any weaknesses the Egyptians may show.
Riveiro said, Pyramids had proved formidable opponents in Johannesburg last week, but it also showed his team’s resilience.
“After the goalless draw, there was proof that we are a good team, just as it proved they have a good team. It is going to be an open second leg,” said Riveiro.
“For me, it’s the best team (Pyramids) we played against this season so far. They are a brave team playing in this competition, not showing any kind of pressure or nerves in any game they play. The first leg game was a good example of that.”
Both teams have injury concerns on the eve of the match. Pyramids attacker Ibrahim Adel, who scored six goals in this season’s Champions League, will undergo a fitness test before the game.
Pirates have Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Sesane, Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso are all nursing niggles and may be ruled out of the game.
