Pirates vs. Al Ahly Showdown: A Crucial Clash at Orlando Stadium

All eyes will be on the Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly clash at Orlando Stadium this Saturday. They may have reached an MTN8 final already this season, but the Bucaneers will arguably face the toughest test of their campaign.

One could argue that this is the team’s biggest game so far in 30 months under Jose Riveiro. Whether they replicate their last CAF result against CR Belouizdad or the recent Stellenbosch reverse remains to be seen. From the onset, the Bucaneers will be expected to prove themselves against the African Club of the Century, and possibly the best team on the continent.

According to OPTA Power rankings, Al Ahly is ranked as Africa’s best team (105th in the world).

Al Ahly in SA

Be that as it may, Al Ahly have had a tough time in South Africa. Whereas they can fall back on history in CAF (a record 12 titles), they have struggled on this particular trip. When they meet Pirates on Saturday is it will be exactly 23 years since their first ever game away to a PSL team (8 Dec 2001 v Sundowns) – a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2001 final. Since then, six different teams (Sundowns (8 visits), Pirates (3), Platinum Stars (1), Supersport Utd (1), Wits (1) and Ajax Cape Town (1) ) have all played host to the Egyptians. None have ever ended on the losing side.

Al Ahly are now winless on South African soil in 15 attempts (P15 W0 D8 L7 away to PSL opposition since 2001).

Orlando Pirates v Al Ahly

For Pirates this is the 4th time they host the Egyptians, but seventh time they play. This Group Stage will see Pirates and Al Ahly face each other for the 7th & 8th time in CAF competition, ensuring the Red Devils become Pirates’ most common opponent on the continent (Pirates P6 W3 D2 L1 before).

A very different challenge awaits Jose Riveiro this weekend – can they shake off their last defeat? They are no longer the only unbeaten team in the league, but also head into this on the back of losing their winning record. For teams that aim for big titles, momentum is key, and winning it back is not always easy.

Pirates have not lost back-to-back matches since May this year, and back-to-back home games since September 2023.

Orlando Pirates Form

Both teams have accumulated three points so far in the Champions League, and this will be a key battle for control of the group. Failing to win against Al Ahly (or gaining 4 points from 2 games) is by no means a bad result, but in the context of their recent Cup exit and league defeat it may only add pressure on the coach and team.

Al Ahly have also been strong lately, and are unbeaten in al 11 games played since the end of August (W7 D4) . Both teams are not top of their respective leagues (Al Ahly are 3rd), but Pirates have been performing like a championship team based on the trend lines below.

Pirates’ have played 18 games this season in all competitions, and only lost two (W14 D2 L2 v Magesi & Stellies).

Key Players

Pirates will be looking to their youngsters Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng to make things happen for them with attacks down the wings. The former netted a brace in Pirates’ first game away to CR Belouizdad and may be entrusted to cause problems for the visitors in the Gauteng heat.

Nkota’s brace, assisted by Mofokeng, was the first time two first-half goals were both scored and assisted by Under-21 players for Orlando Pirates in CAF competitions. His battle with Yahia Allah on the wing could be a crucial one – the Egyptian left back is an attacking force, and his adventures could leave spaces open at the back.Taher Mohamed similar threat for Al Ahly on their wing, but the visitors may be happy with a point and leave him isolated for periods.

No player has scored more goals than Taher Mohamed for Al Ahly this season (5).