Orlando Pirates players celebrate after progressing to the next stage of the Caf Champions League after winning their quarter-finals against MC Alger 1-0 on aggregate. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is bracing for a blockbuster CAF Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in Cairo on Friday at 8pm.
After a cagey but entertaining goalless draw in the first leg at FNB Stadium over the weekend, the Buccaneers head to North Africa with everything still to play for. While the scoreline suggests a balanced encounter, it was a contest full of drama and close calls that could have easily gone in Pyramids’ favour.
Twice, Pirates were saved by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with Fiston Mayele’s first-half goal ruled offside, and Soudiq Ougla’s late strike disallowed for handball. Those moments highlighted just how dangerous the Egyptian outfit can be — especially now that they will be roared on by their home support in Cairo.
Yet, Riveiro remains unfazed.
“It was not a 0-0 game,” the Spanish-born coach said after the first leg. “It’s a game that should have finished with goals. Now everything is open for the second leg and I am anticipating a very good game on Friday.”
While many have tipped Pirates for a tough outing in Cairo, Riveiro believes the scoreless draw creates an intriguing dynamic for both sides.
With the away-goal rule still a factor in CAF competitions, the match does not simply become a straight shootout for a place in the final.
“This 0-0 result is tricky for both teams,” he explained. “We’re going to Egypt to try to get the result that we need. Trust me, we will do everything to make it possible to go to the final.”
The Spaniard’s confidence is not unfounded. Pirates have been near flawless on their travels to North Africa this season.
In the group stages, they stunned CR Belouizdad 2-1 in Algiers, before producing another masterclass in Cairo with a 2-1 win over defending champions Al Ahly.
More recently, they edged MC Alger 1-0 in the first leg of the quarterfinals, ultimately progressing 1-0 on aggregate after holding firm in the return leg in Soweto.
Such results have made the Buccaneers the only side still unbeaten in this season’s CAF Champions League—a record Riveiro believes reflects their continental credentials.
“There’s nothing to say to these guys,” he said of his players. “They’re doing an incredible job, competing at the same level as the best teams on the continent. Whoever you decide are the best, we’re at that level right now.”
Pirates are now 90 minutes away from reaching the final and standing a chance to lift African football’s most coveted club trophy for the first time since 1995. But the final hurdle will be steep. Pyramids FC, well-resourced and brimming with talent, will throw everything at the visitors.
Still, if there’s one thing this Pirates team has shown, it’s a willingness to defy the odds — and in Cairo, they’ll need to do it one more time.
Related Topics:
