The all-too-crucial second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final tie between the two sides kicks off with the Buccaneers holding a slim advantage following their 1-0 win at Stade du 5 July 1962 last Tuesday. The iconic venue in Soweto hosts the deciding leg, and the fate of either side in the prestigious competition could be decided by fine margins as was hinted at in their previous battle.

Having witnessed an enthralling tactical affair in Algiers, orlandopiratesfc.com looks at the key match-ups that could settle the final spot in the last four.

Bucs Defence vs The Dean’s Frontline

A composed defensive effort has seen the Buccaneers’ through some nervy periods in their recent fixtures including the first leg of this particular tie, where a collective effort from Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekelezi Mbokazi, along with Sipho Chaine kept the Algerians’ attack at bay in a demanding 90 minutes of football. The home leg will be no different, with MC Alger’s one-goal deficit giving them even more incentive to not hang back at Orlando Stadium.

Experienced winger Zakaria Naidji’s energy and ability to create and finish off chances will again be key up front as he was in Algeirs, while centre-forward Soufiane Bayazid could have a bigger role in Soweto after a promising cameo in the previous leg. Kipre Zunon and Mohammed Bangoura were also among those to conjure up scoring opportunities, and will be determined to convert this time around. For the Pirates defence, the mission will be to maintain the type of discipline that has ensured clean sheets in three of their last four outings.

The Midfield Battle

The men at the centre of the park rarely hog headlines, but are often key at both ends of the field. Pirates have utilised the fluidity offered by the dynamic duo of Makhehleni Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha effective throughout the season, while the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini provide creativity and an attacking edge with Goodman Mosele’s adaptability giving Jose Riveiro another welcome option.

MC Alger meanwhile boast midfield options just as technically gifted in the likes of Akram Bouras and Larbi Tabti, who will be required to control the tempo once more. Mohamed Benkhemassa and Mohamed Zougrana offer extra defensive cover while possessing the ability to unlock the opposition through precise passes.

The two sets of midfielders will be primed for another intense battle that could determine the tie, which is still far from decided.

Wide Threats

The creative spark for both sides is not confined to the middle of the park with some of the most potent attacking threats at either end operating out wide. Naidji will be a key man for the visitors in this regard, while fullbacks Mohamed Halaïmia and Marwane Khelif have provided impressive attacking output in the ongoing campaign.

Pirates counter this with the fleet-footed duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota who bring flair and direct goal threat from the flanks. The two youngsters combined for the solitary goal that separates the two sides heading into the deciding leg and will pose a constant test for the North Africans’ adventurous wingbacks, aided by the width provided by Deon Hotto and Deano van Rooyen.

Set-Piece Specialists

The two sides have displayed strength in set-piece situations and either side’s ability to convert or defend free kicks and corners could be the deciding factor.

Hotto, Dlamini and Mofokeng among the dead-ball specialists for the hosts, all adept at whipping one into the box and going direct, while Xoki is among the wild cards in this regard having been occasionally tasked with striking the odd one from a challenging range.

In the other camp, Halaïmia is without a doubt the main man come set-piece time, having bagged a good portion of his goal contributions from going direct with free kicks and utilising his side’s aerial threats effectively through probing balls into the penalty area.

The victory placed them on the driving seat ahead of next week’s deciding leg at Orlando Stadium. It also saw them extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 11 matches, while inflicting a rare defeat on their in-form hosts.

Back in Algiers following their success in the Algerian capital in the group phase, the Soweto Giants were quickly placed on the backfoot this time around. The hosts asserted their dominance from the onset, finding a shot at goal seconds after the first whistle. That effort came through Guinean forward Mohamed Bangoura, who headed wide with his effort.

Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine was called upon a few times during the opening exchanges, making some desperate interventions as the visitors continued to be pinned back. He was crucial in keeping the match scoreless throughout the first half, producing excellent saves to keep out shots from Bangoura and Zakaria Naidji.

Pirates meanwhile were forced to feed off scraps as far as attacking opportunities were concerned. Their first real chance was a rather opportunistic one from Relebohile Mofokeng, who looked to catch goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane off guard, but could only direct his effort wide of the target.

The hosts continued to demand plenty from the visitors’ defence as the break approached. The best of their chances came through Naidji on the stroke of halftime when he did well to work himself into space out on the left before drawing another superb save from Chaine.

There was a bit more cohesion to the Buccaneers’ game at the start of the second half, while The Doyen also looked to continue in their aggressive approach. Naidji was again in the thick of things as he was presented with a chance through a misplaced pass in a dangerous area, only to rush his attempt at goal.

The introduction of Mohau Nkota on the hour mark proved to be the spark needed by Jose Riveiro’s side, as the youngster made an immediate impact shortly after coming on. He ran into an excellent ball from the middle, brushing off the attention from the defence before calmly slotting in past Ramdane to provide a crucial away goal in the 65th minute, his third in his second appearance in Algiers.

The North Africans appeared to have hit back with a goal of their own just seconds later, but it would not stand as captain Ayoub Abdellaoui was adjudged to have interfered with Chaine just before finding the net.

They remained unrelenting in their pursuit for the equaliser, with the Bucs shot-stopper by far the busier of the two men between the sticks. He produced another save to foil an attack late in the contest before MC Alger forward Soufiane Bayazid misfired with a header from close range with just two minutes of regulation time remaining.

An additional eight minutes meant that the visitors were far from the promised land, with plenty still demanded of them defensively. They stood up well to the challenge, with the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Tapelo Xoki putting their bodies on the line.

It was all that was required as they clung on to their slim advantage to take a one-goal lead into the decisive second leg on home turf.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Xoki, Sibisi, Van Rooyen (Shandu 77’), Mbokazi, Makhaula, Mbatha (Ndlondlo 88’), Dlamini (Nkota 60’), Mofokeng (Mosele 77’), Hotto, Makgopa (Mabasa 88’).

Jose Riveiro and his men are currently in Algiers for their all-important TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter that will be held at the 5 July 1962 Olympic Stadium. Fortunately, this will not be this current squad’s first time at the 67,000-seater stadium as they competed against another Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad in the group stages of the competition.

Pirates have played against Algerian teams on nine occasions and here they are:

1996 CAF Super Cup Final

A few months after lifting the 1995 Caf Champions Cup, the Buccaneers met up with JS Kabylie in the final of the Super Cup. The match, which was played at the FNB Stadium, saw the hosts clinch the title courtesy of a Bruce Ramokadi goal.

Orlando Pirates 1-0 JS Kabylie

1997 CAF Champions Cup – Group Stage

After winning the Champions Cup and Super Cup, Pirates faced a setback the next year, failing to win against USM Alger and exiting the competition.

USM Alger 2-1 Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates 1-1 USM Alger  

 2021 CAF Confederation Cup – Group Stage

The two matches against ES Setif proved a tough nut to crack. 180 minutes of football between these two sides failed to produce a goal. A total of 33 shots between the two sides (only seven on target) summarised the cagey nature of these matches. Fortunately for Pirates, the results saw them qualify for the knockout stages (on 9 points) at the expense of ES Setif who only had 8 points

ES Setif 0-0 Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates 0-0 ES Setif

2022 CAF Confederation Cup – Group Stage

Orlando Pirates 2-0 JS Saoura

JS Saoura 0-2 Orlando Pirates

2024/25 CAF Champions League – Group Stage

An unfancied and fairly inexperienced Pirates team arrived in Algeria with very few giving Jose Riveiro and his charges a chance of getting a result against CRB let alone earn a victory but against all odds, Pirates came out on top courtesy of two goals from Mohau Nkota.

The return leg that was played at Orlando Stadium ended in similar fashion as the first, with the hosts going 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha, before the visitors clawed a goal back towards the end of the match.

CR Belouizdad 1-2 Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates 2-1 CR Belouizdad

Orlando Pirates have touched down Algiers ahead of their crucial first-leg clash against Algerian giants MC Alger.

It will be the first meeting between these two teams face each other in any form of continental football.

So, who are MC Alger and what can Jose Riveiro’s men expect when the two Titans lock horns at the Stade du Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night? Orlandopiratesfc.com takes a deep dive into trying to answer that question.

Current Form (Last Five Games) :  L, W, W, W, D

MC Alger sits atop of the Algerian Ligue 1 table with 41 points after twenty games played. Head Coach Khaled Ben Yahia and his men have been dominating the domestic competition that has seen them lose only once in the competition and that was as far back as November 2024 where they lost 3-1 to CR Belouizdad.

More recently, MC Alger are undefeated in their last four competitive matches – losing only once in the Algerian Cup against that team again CR Belouizdad.

Of their last five competitive matches, the Algerians have scored nine goals and conceded five times. With their last match coming played on March 15, the hosts have been involved with some friendly matches in preparation for Tuesday nights’ encounter.

For their final preparation match, MC Alger won 2-1 against Paradou AC, with goals coming from Mohamed Bangoura and Kamel Hamidi.

Water-tight Defence

When it comes to this years’ TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, MC Alger are number one when it comes to least goals conceded. The defensive duo of Ayoub Abdellaoui and Ayoub Ghezala has only been breached twice in the competition, proving a hard nut to crack – with only Al Hilal able to score against them. Whereas TP Mazembe and Young Africans played over 180 minutes of football each without finding the back of the net.

Over and above the qualities that Abdellaoui and Ghezala bring to the Algerian outfits defence, what differentiates them from most teams in this years’ competition is how they defend as a unit. The likes of Mohamed Benkhemassa and Akram Bouras do a great job in protecting the back four.

Key Players

Mohamed Halaïmia: Reda is a modern-day wing back in that he is equally proficient in defence as he is in attack. The 28-year-old has scored 5 goals in 18 games for his club so far this season. He is the club’s top goal scorer and not only that but when it comes to set pieces – especially corners, Reda can use both his left and right foot with equal ability.

Zakaria Naidji: Is the heart of the MC Alger team. He has energy to run throughout the match. Involved in both attack and defensive duties. He ranks number one in his team and third overall in the Champions League in terms of Chances Created per game (2.9 per 90)

Notable Mention – Mohamed Bangoura: The young striker from Guinea is a worthy mention in players to watch out for on Tuesday. The 20-year-old who was recently signed from Guinean club Hafia, has hit the ground running at his new club and he looks to have added a different dimension to the MC Alger attack.

Quick One-Two

• The club was formed in 1921 and although they are commonly known as MC Alger or MCA, the club’s full name is Mouloudia club d’Alger.

• MC Alger was the first Algerian club to lift the CAF Champions Cup in 1976.

• The home stadium of MC Alger is Ali Pointe Stadium (40 000-seater) however for the CAF Champions League they have been using the Stade du Juillet 1962 (also known as the 5 July 1962 Stadium (65 000-seater).

• MC Alger rank 3^rd in terms of the number of shots that they limit opponents. On average, they limit teams to 9.5 shots per game. ES Tunis are number one with 8.3 shots, followed by Young Africans with 9.3 shots per game.

• MC Alger ranks 1^st when it comes to limiting opponents to shots on target with an average of 2.17 shots on target per game

The knockout phase of Africa’s flagship club competition is scheduled to kick off in early April, with the eight remaining teams vying for the four semifinal spots. All four match-ups in the last eight were determined in the live draw held in Doha on Thursday, with all teams present discovering their route to continental glory.

First up for the Buccaneers in the next round is a return to the Land of the Martyrs, where they kicked off their group stage campaign with a win against their next opponents’ domestic rivals, CR Belouizdad. The first leg of the tie will be hosted in the North African nation a week before the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium. It will be a historic first meeting between the two sides, who both made history by becoming the first teams from their respective countries to claim the coveted piece of silverware.

Affectionately known as “The Doyen”, the Algerians are making their third appearance in the quarter-finals while competing in the illustrious competition for the ninth time. They will be looking to reach the heights of their debut appearance, where they went all the way to be crowned champions.

For the Buccaneers, this will be a return to the knockout stages having last featured in 2013 when they eventually fell on the final hurdle. Jose Riveiro’s troops will be looking to take another step towards clinching their second title, adding to their 1995 crown. To achieve that, they will have to tap into their pool stage form, following an impressive showing where they finished as one of two teams to navigate their entirety of the previous round still unbeaten. 

It’s unlikely to be a cakewalk however, as they face off against a side that boasted the best defensive record across all four groups while also maintaining consistency in their domestic league, where they currently hold top spot.

The highly-anticipated quarter-finals kick off on 1 April, with the decisive second-leg fixtures getting underway seven days later. CAF will announce the individual fixture dates and kick-off times in due course.

The Qatari capital will be hosting the live draw to determine the first ties of the knockout phase of the competition along with the possible matchups in the semifinals.

The 1995 champions have a keen interest in the proceedings as they remain in the hunt for the most prestigious prize in African interclub competition.

They dominated a tough Group C, finishing unbeaten with an impressive 14 points – the biggest tally in the group stage. As group winners, Pirates are one of four seeded teams heading into the draw and will face one of the second-placed teams in the other groups, as well as host the decisive second leg of their quarter-final tie. Group C runners-up Al Ahly is excluded from their list of prospective opponents for this stage of the competition. They also get to avoid Sudanese giants Al Hilal, Tunisia’s Esperance, as well as AS FAR from Morocco – all winners of their respective groups.

This means that the possible rivals in the last eight are narrowed down to the other three runners-up, and orlandopiratesfc.com takes a look at each of the teams that could soon be lining up against the Buccaneers.

MC Alger (Algeria)

Coached by legendary Tunisian defender Khaled Ben Yahia, the Algerian outfit are gunning for their second Champions League title, nearly 50 years since they were crowned champions in 1976. They finished second to Al Hilal in a tough Group A and were the best defensive side across the 16 teams that competed in the previous round with just two goals conceded in their six matches. Currently at the summit of Algerian Ligue 1, MC Alger are looking to progress past the last eight for the first time since their historic triumph.

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

A team that will need no introduction to the Bucs faithful as their rivalry with the Soweto Giants stretches well over half a century. The one-time champions were second to AS FAR in Group B, separated by only a single point. A perennial feature in the knockouts since claiming the 2016 title, Sundowns have managed to secure a semifinal berth in each of the last two editions of the tournament.

Pyramids (Egypt)

The youngest club still remaining among the contenders, Pyramids made their mark in front of goal in the previous round of the ongoing competition where they finished with the joint highest goal tally – tied on 14 points with domestic rivals Al Ahly. Only goal difference prevented the team coached by ex-Croatian international Krunoslav Jurčić from claiming top spot in Group D, with Esperance clinching the honour. Yet to make a significant mark in this particular competition, the Egyptians know how to navigate the knockout rounds in continental football having finished as Confederation Cup runners-up in 2020.

The Champions League draw will get underway at 16:00 (SAST) and will be televised live on SuperSport PSL and SABC Sport.

Joining Orlando Pirates in the Quarterfinals are Al Ahly, Al Hilal, AS Far, ES Tunis, Pyramids, Mamelodi Sundowns, and MC Alger.

Here is a recap of the Group Stages:

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Highest Scoring Match: Al Ahly vs CR Belouizdad – 6:1

Top Goal Scorer: Wessam Abu Ali (Al Ahly) & Emam Ashour (Al Ahly) – 4   

Most Assists: Meziane Bentahar (CR Belouizdad) – 5

Undefeated: Orlando Pirates & FAR Rabat – 0

Best Attack: Al Ahly & Pyramids FC – 14

Best Defence:  MC Alger – 2

Worst Attack: Djoliba – 0

Worst Defence: Stade d’Abidjan – 18

Most Points: Orlando Pirates – 14

Least Points: Stade d’Abidjan – 1

Most Wins: Orlando Pirates, ES Tunis & Pyramids FC – 4

STATS CORNER – INDIVIDUAL

Most Shots Taken:  Jephte Kitambala Bola (Maniema) – 28

Most Shots on Target: Wessam Abu Ali (Al Ahly) – 12

Most Key Passes: Youcef Belaili (ES Tunis) – 21

Most Passes: Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns) – 454

Most Passes In Final Third: Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates) – 96

Most Fouled Player:  Dabanda (Sagrada) – 21

Most Fouls Committed: Andy Delot (MC Alger) – 19

Most Ball Recoveries: KenanGlougbe (Djoliba) – 48

Most Touches In Opp Box: Jephte Kitambala Bola (Maniema) – 44

STATS CORNER – TEAM (TOP 3)

Most Touches: 1.Mamelodi Sundowns (4117); 2. Orlando Pirates (4100); 3. Al Ahly (4030)

Passes In Final Third: 1. Mamelodi Sundowns (495); 2. Orlando Pirates (478); Al Ahly (448)

xG: 1. ES Tunis (11.2); 2. Al Ahly (10.5) 3. CR Belouizdad (8.3)

xA: 1. ES Tunis (8.2); 2. Al Ahly (7.2); 3. CR Belouizdad (6.2)

Most Shots On Target: 1. Al Ahly (40); 2. ES Tunis (33); 3. CR Belouizdad (28)

Most Shots Off Target: 1. Djoliba (43); 2. Maniema Union (41); 3. CR Belouizdad (38)

It was the Buccaneers who reigned supreme, bagging their second away victory in as many matches in North Africa. The result also ensured that they finished the group unbeaten with an impressive 14 points, edging clear of the Egyptians who began the recently-concluded phase of the competition as favourites.

While occupying the top two spots with no chance of slipping out of the race for the quarter-finals, the two sides still had more than enough to play for heading into the fixture.The hosts were not short of chances throughout the first 45, keeping the defensive pair of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thabiso Sesane busy along with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

They grew into the game quite early on, following a few half-chances that fell the way of the visitors and created plenty of work for the Bucs shot-stopper. He was called upon on several occasions and made a few commanding stops amid intense pressure. 

Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali had the best opportunities in the first half, with Chaine standing between them and the opener. The Buccaneers were able to cling on amid the pressure and the two sides went into the break still level.

The second half began with Pirates showing a bit more purpose and they looked to edge ahead four minutes from the restart. This was when Paseka Mako set up Deon Hotto, whose header looped wide. 

The wait for the opener only lasted a further four minutes with Relebohile Mofokeng showing great awareness, following a slip-up at the back. The Bucs attacker pounced on a loose ball inside the box, and made no mistake in converting the chance to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

This spurred the Red Devils on as they sought the equaliser, with Chaine again proving to be the difference as he made another excellent save to keep out a shot from Abou Ali.  Their pursuit for parity however only lasted until the 69th minute as Hussein El Shahat drew them level when he chipped the Bucs keeper after his side had turned possession over following a loose pass down the middle.

Abou Ali and Chaine resumed their battle, with the shot-stopper coming out tops once more a minute after the goal. The Buccaneers meanwhile looked to catch the hosts out on the counter while bombarded by frequent attacks at the back.

They did manage to restore their lead, and it was against the run of play with three players who had just been introduced all involved in the goal. This was when Kabelo Dlamini delivered a cross from the left flank into the box, met by Tshegofatso Mabasa whose header crashed into the crossbar. Gilberto was on hand to make the most of the rebound as he headed in from close range for his first competitive goal in Pirates colours.

With the 1995 champions ahead in the final 10 minutes of regulation time, there was still enough time for the home side to turn things around. They looked to do so through Abou Ali, who dragged his shot narrowly wide in the 88th minute.

Seven minutes of added time meant that Pirates could not afford to try to cruise into the sunset, and it looked as if Rami Rabia had set Al Ahly up for a possible victory when he volleyed into the back of the net deep in injury time. It was however not to be, with the referee spotting an offside in the build-up to the defender’s effort.

That proved to be their last real attempt at the Bucs goal, with the match soon coming to an end. The final whistle sealed an incredible result for Pirates who bagged their fourth win of the group stage as they bagged a famous victory in Cairo.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Lebitso (Ndlozi 56’), Mako, Mbatha (Dlamini 77’), Makhaula, Maswanganyi (Rasebotja 77’), Mofokeng, Hotto (Gilberto 80’), Makgopa (Mabasa 80’).

The two African giants are separated by only a single point heading into the encounter with the Buccaneers leading the charge. Meanwhile, the chasing pack –  in the form of Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan – is out of the race.

While the two crucial qualifying slots have been occupied with a game to spare, there is still more than enough motivation for each side to put on a determined effort on the final match day. First place is up for grabs with Pirates also going in with the added incentive of finishing the group stage unbeaten.

This has been echoed by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has led the team out throughout this stage of the competition.

“The team is highly motivated when we go into a game against Al Ahly,” he told orlandopiratesfc.com. “We want to finish the group unbeaten and we’d like to finish at the top of our group. I think that’s our main objective. We’re aiming to get a positive result here in Cairo.”

As one of South Africa’s two representatives in the tournament, the Buccaneers are also the source of national pride. Sibisi believes a positive result against the defending champions, who began the campaign as group favourites, will hold great significance.

“Our main concern is getting a positive result here and hopefully, it will be good enough to finish the group unbeaten,” he said. “That’s our focus and we want to represent our country and make our country proud.”

The highly-anticipated fixture kicks off at 18:00 and will be televised live on SuperSport Variety 54 (209) and SABC 2.

However, any notion that the upcoming clash between the Mighty Buccaneers and the Red Devils is a mere formality would be a gross miscalculation. With the top spot in Group C still up for grabs, this weekend’s match promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Battle for Group Supremacy

As it stands, Orlando Pirates lead the group with 11 points from five matches, while Al Ahly trail closely behind with 10 points after the same number of matches. This sets the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown on Saturday, with both teams vying for the coveted first-place finish.

First or Second?

With both teams competing on multiple fronts in their respective domestic campaigns, one might expect the coaches to rotate their squads to ease the burden of a congested schedule. However, this is highly unlikely given the significance of finishing atop the group.

A first-place finish guarantees a seeded position in the knockout draw, ensuring a clash against a second-placed team from another group. Additionally, the seeded team enjoys the advantage of hosting the decisive second leg in the knockout rounds.

But is this truly an advantage?

Historical trends suggest otherwise. Over the last seven editions of the CAF Champions League, only three champions finished first in their group. The remaining four winners emerged from second place.

Interestingly, the last time Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly crossed paths in this competition was in 2013. Both teams advanced from Group A, which also included Egyptian giants Zamalek and AC Leopards. That year, they met again in the final, adding another layer of intrigue to this storied rivalry.

As we prepare for this pivotal encounter, here’s an in-depth preview of what fans can expect.

Current Form (Last Five Matches): W–W–W–L-D

Al Ahly enters this match in fine form, having secured a 2-0 victory over El Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday. Star man Emam Ashour scored both goals, showcasing his importance to the team.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions, scoring seven goals and conceding just two in the process.

Home Fortress

Under Marcel Koller, Al Ahly have been formidable at home, remaining undefeated across all competitions this season.

Of the matches that they have played at home, Ahly have scored 23 goals and only conceded 6 times. And in the Champions League its 10 goals scored and only 3 goals conceded in the matches against Stade d’Abidjan (4-2) and CR Belouizdad (6-1).

Stats Corner

• Chance Creation (1st): Al Ahly lead the competition, creating 10.8 chances per game.

• Expected Goals (2nd): They boast an impressive xG of 1.69, trailing only ES Tunis (1.72). Orlando Pirates are third with 1.33.

• Shots (1st): Al Ahly average 14 shots per game, the highest in the tournament, nearly double the total of 16th-placed FC Rabat (7.8). Pirates rank 6th.

• Shots on Target: Ahly top this category too, averaging 6.8 shots on target per match, compared to Pirates’ 4.4 (3rd place).

• Key Contributors: Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali account for 50% of Al Ahly’s shots, with Ashour averaging 4 shots per game and Ali 3.5.

Key Players

Emam Ashour

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is Al Ahly’s talisman. Despite disciplinary issues earlier this season that led to his suspension, Ashour has rebounded spectacularly. He’s the creative heartbeat of the team, contributing four goals in the CAF Champions League and 12 goal involvements across 16 matches in all competitions.

Marwan Attia

If Ashour is the heart of Al Ahly, Marwan Attia is the brain. At 26, the midfield maestro exhibits a level of composure reminiscent of a young Luka Modrić. Capable of orchestrating play from deep, dribbling past opponents, or scoring key goals, Attia is a complete package.

His passing numbers underline his importance, ranking second among midfielders in the tournament with 62 completed passes per match, just behind Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena (64).

With so much at stake, this promises to be a thrilling contest. Al Ahly will look to leverage their home advantage and attacking firepower, while Orlando Pirates aim to cement their dominance atop Group C. The tactical battle on Saturday will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both teams’ campaigns in the CAF Champions League.

The challenge, however, is that only two teams can advance. The Algerian giants come into this match seeking three crucial points. However, a draw might also suffice depending on results elsewhere, with the Buccaneers facing Al Ahly and Belouizdad set to meet the already eliminated Stade d’Abidjan. As always, Orlandopiratesfc.com provides a tactical analysis of this crucial match.

Current Form (Last Five Matches): W – L – W – W – W – W

The last time we analysed CR Belouizdad, the club was in turmoil. Coaching changes and struggles for consistency saw them flirting with the relegation zone in the Algerian Ligue 1. Now, “The Reds,” as they are affectionately known, seem to have turned a corner impressively.

Currently ninth in the Algerian Ligue 1 table with 19 points, they have three games in hand over league leaders JS Kabylie, who sit on 24 points. Their resurgence extends to the CAF Champions League as well. Following a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Al Ahly, the Algerians bounced back with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, keeping their hopes alive. In their last five matches, they’ve registered four wins, signalling a team in form.

To Attack or Defend: The Tactical Dilemma

When CR Belouizdad faced Al Ahly in their return leg, their intentions were clear from the first whistle: attack at all costs. The Algerians adopted an aggressive, high-pressing strategy, seeking nothing less than victory.

Against Orlando Pirates, their approach will likely dictate their setup. If they adopt an attacking mindset, Pirates can expect a repeat of the second half of their earlier 2-1 win over Belouizdad. This approach featured relentless pressing, early crosses, and quick throw-ins aimed at unsettling the opposition before they could regroup. Players such as Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane (as well as the two full backs) will be central to this strategy.

Conversely, a more conservative approach might see the midfield pairing of Housseyn Selmi and Abdelraouf Benguit anchoring the side. Their roles would focus on breaking up play and maintaining possession. This defensive setup often slows the game’s tempo, with Belouizdad excelling in disrupting their opponents’ rhythm.

What Do the Numbers Say?

CR Belouizdad are the undisputed crossing specialists of the competition. Ranking second overall for total crosses, they delivered an astonishing 30+ crosses in their first clash against the Buccaneers and average 23.75 crosses per game.

For context, Orlando Pirates rank 16th with an average of only 7 crosses per game. Al Hilal of Sudan (log leaders of Group A) rank 15th with 8 crosses per game while Sundowns rank 14th with 9 crosses per game. This speaks to the contrasting styles of these two teams.

For open-play crosses, Belouizdad leads the pack with an average of 18.75 per match. Key contributors include:

Houcine Benayada: The right-back ranks first in the competition for open-play crosses, averaging five per game. Left-back Naoufel Khacef, ranks fourth overall, Khacef contributes 4.2 open-play crosses per match.

Key Players

Aymen Mahious: Ranking fourth in shots per game (3.75), Mahious poses a consistent goal threat.
Khanyiso Mayo: The South African forward ranks second among Belouizdad players and 13th overall with 2.35 shots per game.
Abderrahmane Meziane: The creative lynchpin, Meziane leads the competition in intentional assists with a rating of 0.78. The closest player to him is Ramadam Sobhi of Pyramids who sits on 0.62. Pirates’ highest-ranking player is Relebohile Mofokeng who is ranked ninth place.

Conclusion

Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane represent the dual threat of goals and creativity for CR Belouizdad. Mayo’s recent rise to prominence underscores his growing importance, while Meziane’s ability to conjure chances from seemingly nothing makes him a constant headache for defences. With so much on the line, the tactical battle between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad promises to be a fascinating clash. Whether “The Reds” opt for attack or a more measured approach, we will see on Sunday.

The match will be played at the Mecca of South African football – the Orlando Stadium. Kick off is 15h00.

With things wide open, there was all to play for as the two sides renewed rivalries in Soweto. Pirates were almost stunned during the opening exchanges when the visitors got a chance which was eventually wasted.

That happened to be a rare foray deep into Bucs territory for Les Yèyés, who spent a great deal of time inside their own half. In trying to capitalise on their dominance, Pirates had opportunities through Kabelo Dlamini as well as Relebohile Mofokeng with both players unable to land the decisive touch.

The breakthrough wasn’t too far off, and it came in the 22nd minute following some neat interplay that led them into the penalty area. This was where Mohau Nkota did well to eliminate goalkeeper Drissa Bamba from the equation, allowing Mofokeng an empty net to shoot into.

Shortly after the goal, the shot-stopper did have some bright moments as he kept out shots from Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. His heroics kept the Bucs lead to a minimum at the break, giving his side a chance to launch a second-half comeback.

That was not to be as the hosts doubled their lead just five minutes after the restart. The second goal was courtesy of Maswanganyi, who showed excellent skill in breaking free of his marker with a clever turn before expertly placing the ball beyond Bamba’s reach.

Les Yéyés did manage the odd surge into the home side’s half of the field, but Sipho Chaine’s goal remained largely untouched. Pirates meanwhile continued to knock at the other end with Dlamini and Maswanganyi each coming close to providing the third.

An intercept on the halfway line initiated a superb solo effort from Deon Hotto, made his way towards the Abidjan penalty area before finishing past Bamba to make it 3-0 with four minutes remaining before the final whistle. That left the Ivorians with an uphill climb as the home side refused to relent despite a comfortable lead.

All that was required for the Buccaneers was to manage the remainder of the contest, which they did without much of a fuss to claim a vital win which places them a point ahead of Al Ahly and two adrift from CR Belouizdad with two group games left for each team to play,

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen (Monyane 86’), Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini (Rasebotja 86’), Nkota (Mako 73’), Maswanganyi (Tshobeni 79’), Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 79’).

For the Buccaneers, the equation is straightforward: a victory will leave them just a point away from qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the visitors, currently rooted at the bottom of the group with only one point from three games, face elimination unless they secure all three points.

So it’s safe to say Stade d’Abidjan won’t be in Johannesburg for a holiday—they’re here to fight.
José Riveiro’s men must prepare for a clash with a side eager to upset the balance, fully aware of the significance of this encounter. And why wouldn’t they?

After all, it was against the Buccaneers that Stade d’Abidjan earned their first group-stage point; a 1-all draw. That result proved the Ivorian outfit is far more than a group-stage filler.

Current Form (Last Five Matches)
W-D-D-W–W

Les Yéyés are riding an impressive unbeaten streak, having avoided defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Their 1-1 draw with Pirates seems to have ignited a purple patch of form of sorts, as they’ve gone on to score 13 goals in those matches, averaging 2.6 goals per game.

This fine run of results has propelled Alexandre Lafitte’s team up the domestic league standings, where they now sit in second place, trailing leaders AFAD only on goal difference—a gap narrowed by a commanding 3-1 win over AFAD last month.

Key Players
In the previous analysis by Orlandopiratesfc.com, attention centred on midfield maestros Aka and Niampe, who control the tempo for Stade d’Abidjan. However, in this must-win clash, the attacking players will hold the key. Keep an eye on these players:

1. Roger Assalé
2. Youssouf Koné
3. Kassoum Koné

Each has demonstrated the ability to exploit defensive lapses, and they’ll be eager to test the Buccaneers’ backline.

Threats and Weaknesses
As with any football team, Stade d’Abidjan come into this game carrying both strengths and vulnerabilities.

Main Threats
• Goalscoring Ability: Les Yéyés are prolific, having scored in their last six matches. What makes them particularly dangerous is the distribution of goals across the squad, making it difficult to single out one player for defensive focus.

• Set Pieces: Pirates know this threat all too well, having conceded a set-piece goal in the reverse fixture. Stade d’Abidjan employ clever routines involving blockers, allowing a player to peel off and target the far post—whether to head back across goal or, as Pirates experienced, score directly.

Main Weakness

• Defensive Fragility: While Stade d’Abidjan have no trouble finding the net, they struggle to keep their opponents out. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine competitive matches, conceding 15 goals (an average of 1.6 goals per game). In many of their victories, they’ve had to come from behind, highlighting defensive lapses early in games.

Conclusion

Saturday’s match will be anything but a walk in the park for the Buccaneers. Stade d’Abidjan are better than their position on the table suggests, and their recent form proves they are no pushovers.
For Pirates to secure the crucial three points, they’ll need to be at their best, both tactically and mentally, to overcome this hard-running and relentless Ivorian side.

Kickoff: 18:00 (SA Time)

Crowned champions in the same city back in 1995, the Soweto Giants returned to the historic battleground as one of two teams still unbeaten in their group. They were looking to push their tally to seven points on the halfway mark of the group stage, with top spot beckoning. Missed opportunities however plagued their efforts, particularly in the first half where they were the more dominant side.

Makhehleni Makhaula and Relebohile Mofokeng were both afforded chances at goal inside the opening 15 minutes. However, both players placed their shots off target as they looked to push ahead. These were the first of many attempts at the goal manned by Drissa Bamba who was mostly unthreatened despite being by far the busier of the two men between the sticks.

The Ivorian shot-stopper was made to strain in keeping out a shot from Mohau Nkota 30 minutes in when he dived low to his left after the Bucs forward was unselfishly played in by Evidence Makgopa. He could have been called upon late in the first half, but the home side’s defence managed to scramble to deal with the danger posed by a Bucs set piece they threatened deep inside the penalty area.

Following some close calls, Pirates were afforded a golden opportunity to make the most of their ascendancy as Mofokeng was brought down inside the box. This resulted in a penalty, taken by Makgopa who effortlessly sent Bamba the wrong way with seconds remaining before the break.

The pace increased notably in the second half as Les Yéyés looked to draw level. It would only take them nine minutes to find the equaliser which was provided by defender Ousmane Méité who fired in from close range.

Pirates had the opportunity to restore their lead in the 58th minute when Makgopa was released out on the left flank. The chance was however spurned as Bamba came out on top in a one-on-one situation.

Spurred on by the equaliser, Abidjan looked a different side for much of the second half and threatened to steal a late winner. Ben Guel Kouyate had a couple of close calls on either side of a wayward header at the other end from Bucs replacement striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

A late free kick for the visitors could have put them back in front with the final whistle fast approaching. Substitute midfielder Kabelo Dlamini however directed his effort over the crossbar.

This was followed by a tense finish as the hosts looked to complete their comeback, but the Buccaneers managed to survive a shaky period towards the end to maintain a stalemate they would have wished to convert into a crucial victory on the road.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Mako (Dlamini 64’), Makhaula (Kimvuidi 87’), Mbatha (Rasebotja 73’), Nkota (Gilberto 64’), Mofokeng, Hotto, Makgopa (Mabasa 64’).

A Tale of Similarities

Like Orlando Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan earned their spot in the Champions League as runners-up in their domestic league, finishing behind champions San-Pedro. But the similarities don’t end there.Though not as recognised as their neighbors and rivals, ASEC Mimosas, Stade d’Abidjan, affectionately known as Les Yèyès, boast a rich history.

Formed in 1938 under the name ASFIF Abidjan, they share a similar age group to the Buccaneers. Their crowning achievement came in 1966 when they lifted the CAF Champions League. They returned to the continental showpiece in 1967 and 1970, but only went as far as the Quarterfinals on both occasions.

Current Campaign

Fast forward to the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign, and Stade d’Abidjan find themselves in a challenging position. They sit at the bottom of Group C after back-to-back losses against Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad respectively.

While their form may suggest an easier outing for the Buccaneers, Head Coach José Riveiro has warned his players about underestimating their opponents, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by the Ivorian side.

Recent Form: W – D – L – L – L

Stade d’Abidjan have endured a tough run, losing their last three competitive matches. They suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al Ahly in the Champions League, a 2-0 loss to Bouaké in Ligue 1, and most recently, a narrow 1-0 defeat to CR Belouizdad. Head Coach Alexandre Lafitte will approach Saturday’s match knowing anything less than a win could all but dash their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition .

Tactical Overview
Different Tactical Styles

Having faced North African teams like Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad, Pirates can expect a shift in tactical dynamics when facing a West African side like Stade d’Abidjan. While North African football often emphasizes tactical discipline, set-piece proficiency, and structured play, West African teams are renowned for their intensity, individual flair, and physicality.

The region has produced globally celebrated talents like Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast), Gervinho (Ivory Coast), Sadio Mane (Senegal) and Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) to name a few.

Key Threats
One-on-One Dribblers

Positional play has dominated modern football, thanks to coaches like Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, who have revolutionized the game with their view on the game. Cruyff started it but Guardiola has gone on to perfect the concept that focuses on prioritizing space manipulation. However, in countries like Ivory Coast, the art of the one-on-one dribbler remains alive. Two Stade d’Abidjan players rank among the Top 5 dribblers in this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:

1. Tayeb Meziani (MC Alger): 14 dribbles
2. Pacome Zouzoua (Young Africans): 14
3. Oscar Kabwit (TP Mazembe): 11
4. Sean-Jean Kore (Stade d’Abidjan): 9
5. Roger Assalé (Stade d’Abidjan): 8

For context, Orlando Pirates’ highest-ranking player in this metric is Relebohile Mofokeng with six. Additionally, Roger Assalé boasts a superior dribble success rate of 37.5% compared to Mofokeng’s 16.7%. At 31, Assalé brings valuable European experience, having played for clubs like Young Boys, Leganés, and Dijon.

Trigger Happy

While Kore’s dribbling success rate is modest (11%), his impact is felt in his shooting. The 26-year-old forward ranks second in shots taken (7) in the competition, trailing only Ibrahim Adel of Pyramids FC. By comparison, Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng have taken four shots each but have played only one match apiece.

The Conductor

Often overlooked, the pivot role is critical in controlling a team’s tempo. Stade d’Abidjan’s 32-year-old Essis Aka is their orchestrator, ranking among the Top Five carriers in the Champions League. The role of the pivot is one that doesn’t get much attention. Often the focus is on the attacking players .

The recent Ballon D’or that went to Rodri created a lot of debate. With many arguing that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jnr was robbed. However if there was a reason to motivate the justification for Rodri’s case. Take a look at his clubs record before his injury and post. Prior to his injury City went 74 games undefeated and post his injury- the rest his history.

Coming back to Essis Aka. The Ivorian’s have their own Conductor of sorts. He is the one who controls the tempo and rhythm of his side. In the Champions League so far the 32 year old ranks in the Top Five terms of Carries (excl defenders) with 82 carries over the two matches

1. Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns): 154
2. Marcelo Allende (Sundowns): 110
3. Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns): 95
4. Marwan Attia (Al Ahly): 90
5. Essis Aka (Stade d’Abidjan): 82

Aka’s ability to dictate play will be pivotal for his teams side. Despite their position at the foot of Group C, Stade d’Abidjan remain a dangerous side, blending individual brilliance with collective resilience. For Orlando Pirates, focus and discipline will be key to securing maximum points and bolstering their ambitions in the competition.

After nearly a decade since their last encounter, the Buccaneers and the Red Devils locked horns in what was an eagerly-awaited clash. It was a battle for supremacy in their group after both sides had raced to claim the top two spots in the previous game week.

The sellout crowd was however made to wait before finding something to shout about with the first half consisting of very few real chances at either goal. Pirates’ efforts at making the most of their home-ground advantage met a determined effort from the visitors who strictly manned their defensive lines.

The hosts looked to break them off through a succession of set pieces as the break approached. They were however unable to make the most of their chances as the defending champions managed to see out the storm.

A few close calls fell to Pirates moments before the break. Both were from Monnapule Saleng who fired inches wide with a speculative shot from outside the penalty area before knocking the ball straight to Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy after he released inside the box.

He continued to take the game to the North Africans in the second half when he managed to find a way past El Shenawy, who had left his line to attempt a save. The scoreboard was however unaffected with the shot from the Bucs attacker lacking the necessary power to cause any significant problems.

This set the tone for a second period played with more lively tempo as the Buccaneers swiftly made their way deep into opposition territory 10 minutes after the restart. This attack led to a near miss from Thalente Mbatha who drove a shot at goal from outside the box, missing the target by mere inches.

Despite the evident shift in pace at both ends of the field, the two keepers remained largely spared from pressure. They each had to make a pretty straightforward stop with Pirates shot stopper Sipho Chaine equal to the task following an Al Ahly set piece while El Shenawy was also comfortable in dealing with an attempt from Evidence Makgopa.

Bucs attacker Relebohile Mofokeng did manage to make the Egyptian international sweat after the hour mark when he got on the end of a cross from Deon Hotto. There was however no change to the scoreline as the experienced keeper managed to keep out the youngster’s effort.

A desperate search for a late winner saw the visitors sparking a few opportunities for themselves in the game’s dying moments. The best of these came from replacement midfielder Hussein El Shahat who was able to connect with one inside the Buccaneers’ penalty area, forcing Chaine to his right as he produced a crucial save with not much time left on the clock.

The contest continued at a frantic pace with the final whistle just moments away, but the home side failed to connect inside the attacking third while Chaine kept them in it with another important stop from a set piece. No goals were forthcoming in the end as the two sides completed their third Champions League stalemate at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Mako, Makhaula (Timm 81’), Mbatha (Dlamini 81’), Mofokeng, Saleng, Hotto (Nkota 69’), Makgopa (Mabasa 69’).

It promises to be another thrilling chapter in a list of key battles between two sides that have previously lifted the biggest trophy in African club football. The Egyptians head into the encounter as defending champions, having recently bagged a record 12th title, while the home side look to strengthen their challenge for a second triumph in the prestigious competitions.

Form Guide

Both sides had a winning start to their group stage campaign and currently occupy the top two spots in Group C. The Red Devils are higher up in the standings after beating Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan 4-2 in Cairo to go clear on goal difference.

They played to league stalemates on either side of their clash against the West African outfit, drawing 1-1 at home against Al Ittihad before earning another league point in a goalless stalemate away to National Bank. Their two recent Premier League results are among the very few blemishes to their season thus far, following a near-perfect start where they added another Egyptian Super Cup title plus a CAF Super Cup triumph to their glowing trophy cabinet.

Al Ahly now head into the match against Pirates unbeaten in their five most recent outings, where they have claimed three victories along with their two league draws. They take on a side determined to bounce back from a disappointing result in their last fixture.

Following a remarkable 2-1 win away to CR Belouizdad in their Group C opener, the Buccaneers slumped to a narrow defeat at home to domestic rivals Stellenbosch last Sunday. It was their first loss in the league this season and resulted in them dropping from first to second place in the standings.  It also ended a streak of five straight victories and was their second home defeat across competitions this season.

Like the visiting North Africans, the Soweto Giants have had a taste of cup success in the 2024/25 campaign. They will be eager to enhance their chances of claiming the biggest prize available to them this season by producing a performance that will place them in pole position for a spot in the knockouts.

Team News

There have been some key absentees throughout the season in both camps. Midfield pair Karim Nedved and Karim Fouad are both yet to feature for the visitors since the start of the ongoing campaign, while Egyptian international Emam Ashour could return after a short suspension.

Pirates have had similar injury issues, with the likes of Zakhele Lepasa and Goodman Mosele still on the mend. Coach Jose Riveiro has however confirmed  that he has up to 36 fit squad members at his disposal, and the number includes players such as Thabiso Lebitso and Sandile Mthethwa who have been working their way back to match fitness over the past few weeks.

Players to Watch

With vast Champions League experience, Taher Mohamed will be one of the key men for the visitors as he comes into the clash in good form. The winger has had a hand in crucial goals in domestic and continental football, along with Palestinian international forward Wessam Abou Ali.

Bafana international forward Percy Tau is also among their notable goal-scoring threats while the Egyptians boast a number of reliable impact players elsewhere on the field in the likes of fullback Yahya Allah – a solid presence at both ends of the pitch. Experienced shot-stopper Mohammed El-Shenawy leads from between the sticks and has kept clean sheets in five of his nine club appearances this season.

Head-to-Head

Drawn in the same group for the first time since the 2013 edition of the Champions League where they eventually went on to contest the final, Pirates and Al Ahly are well acquainted. They have met a total of six times with the majority of their clashes occurring in the knockout stages of the two major continental interclub tournaments.

The Buccaneers currently sport a comfortable lead in terms of head-to-head results with three wins to the Red Devils’ solitary victory, which sealed the 2013 title. Things are a lot tighter as far as the Champions League is concerned with each side boasting a single win in their four matches.

The Soweto Giants are yet to claim a home victory against the Egyptians in the continents’ premier club competition, with their only triumph at Orlando Stadium coming in the 2015 Confed Cup semifinals where they secured a win in each of the two legs.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 and the match will be broadcast on SABC 3, SuperSport Variety 4 (209) while a live stream is also available on SABC+ . You can also keep up with the action by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

The next closest clubs, TP Mazembe and Zamalek, have five titles each. Orlando Pirates, though absent from the continental showpiece in recent seasons, boast a rich history in this competition when it comes to clashes between these two sides. Meetings between the Buccaneers and Al Ahly have often been tightly contested and judging by the form of both teams in their opening matches, fans on opposite ends of the continent can expect another thrilling encounter.

Both teams currently sit on three points after their respective opening fixtures. Pirates earned a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against CR Belouizdad, while Al Ahly emerged as 4-2 victors against Stade d’Abidjan. As we gear up for this weekend’s encounter, here is an in-depth look at what the Mighty Buccaneers can expect on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

With Al Ahly topping the table on goal difference, Orlando Pirates could seize first place with a victory. Historically, the head-to-head record between these teams has been closely contested. Out of six encounters, the Buccaneers have claimed three wins, with two draws, while Al Ahly have managed just one victory—a significant one at that.

The two sides contested the 2013 CAF Champions League Final over two legs. The first leg, held at Orlando Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second leg, the Red Devils, as they are affectionately known, secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika. Despite the scoreline, the match was tightly contested, with the Buccaneers squandering key opportunities in the first half that could have altered the outcome of the match.

Current Form (Last 5 Matches): W–W-D-W-D

Al Ahly are a team that competes on many fronts. They don’t only compete in the Caf Champions League and the Egyptian Premier league. Over the past month and a half, the reigning champions have also participated in the CAF Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup. Of their last five competitive matches, Marcel Koller’s men have won three times and drawn twice. Scoring 11 goals and conceding 5 goals.

Key Players

Emam Ashour (26 Years Old)

If Emam Ashour features in the match on Saturday, then there is no doubt that that he will be one of the key players for the visitors. We use the word “if” because the 26-year-old has struggled with disciplinary issues off the field.

Recently, the midfielder was suspended after clashing with the team captain. However, if recent reports are anything to go by, Ashour will be part of the traveling contingent after apologising to his teammates for his misdemeanour.

Yahya Allah (29 Years Old)

The Moroccan international is currently on loan at Ahly from Russian club Socci. He is a very competent full back who provides the additional attacking threat with his marauding runs down the left flank. Yahya, along with his teammate Khaled Fattah who plays right full back, are key in providing width for Ahly to allow the likes of El Shahat and Taher Mohamed to tuck in and play in the half spaces.

Hussein El Shahat (32 Years Old)

Although El Shahat has had a slow start to the season, his quality and influence in the attack are undeniable. Playing as a right-footed attacker on the left flank, he benefits from the overlapping runs of Yahya Allah, giving him the freedom to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. El Shahat has a reputation for delivering crucial goals when it matters most.

Strengths
• Defensive Fortress

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said: “Attack wins you games but defence wins you titles”, this statement cannot be any truer for Al Ahly. The defending champions, are miserly in defence and that is hugely due to the experience of the defence. Anchored by the experienced El Shenawy in goal and the central defensive pairing of Ramy Rabia and Yasser Ibrahim, the Red Devils are a tough nut to crack. Notably, they navigated the knockout stages of the 2023 CAF Champions League without conceding a single goal. This season, the only blemish has been the two goals conceded against Stade d’Abidjan.

• Game Management

Al Ahly’s primary strength lies in their ability to read the game and focus on securing the result.Ordinarily,the Red Devils prefer a dominant possession focused style of play. Their midfielders, such as Ashour, Mohamed Magdy and Marwan Attia, are skilled at maintaining control of the ball, dictating the pace of the game, and creating opportunities for their forwards.

This ability to control the game through possession puts constant pressure on their opponents and minimises the time the opposition has to mount their own attacks. However, due to the maturity of the team – often, when Ahly plays away, the team opts for a more cautious approach which includes slowing down the game, breaking play and sometimes a transitional type of game.

The much-anticipated fixture begins a crucial phase in the Buccaneers’ search for a second star on their crest as they aim to add to their remarkable 1995 triumph. They’re up against a Belouizdad outfit that has become a regular feature in the group stage as well as the knockout rounds of the prestigious continental championship in recent years.

Form Guide

Pirates’ journey to the group stage has taken them to Madagascar and neighbouring Botswana. They defeated Malagasy champions Disciples in the opening preliminary round with all their four goals across the two legs of the tie coming in the decider at Orlando Stadium after the away leg finished goalless. They booked their spot in the groups with an impressive showing against Jwaneng Galaxy, who they defeated in each of the two legs of the final playoff round to go through with a 3-0 aggregate score.

A more testing challenge now awaits the Soweto Giants, who are coming off a lengthy break in action after last taking to the field earlier in the month when they claimed a narrowly league victory over Richards Bay. The result extended their winning streak to four matches, with their last defeat dating back to just after the previous international break when they exited the Carling Knockout Cup in the Round of 16.

Maintaining momentum will be key for the Buccaneers as they look for a crucial three points against a side that has overturned a string of disappointing results in their domestic league. Affectionately known as “The Reds”, the Algerians were in action against rivals MC Alger and secured the second of back-to-back league victories. They however remain in the bottom half of the standings, having endured a disappointing start to their campaign where they failed to get over the line in each of their six opening fixtures.

Outside Algerian shores, they saw off the challenge of Congo’s AC Léopards in the first preliminary round of the Champions League before narrowly defeating Senegalese outfit Douanes in a tie that had to be settled by penalties after each side posted a 1-0 in their respective home legs.

Much like the Buccaneers, they will be determined to get off to a good start as they look to get an edge in what promises to be one of the most fiercely-contested in the current edition of the prestigious tournament.

Team News

The visitors welcomed eight internationals back to camp following the recent international break, and have been further boosted by the return of key players from injury. Deano van Rooyen, Makhehlene Makhaula and Thuso Moleleki have all travelled to Algeria after brief spells on the injury list and will all be in contention for spots in the match-day squad.

For the hosts, it could be another fixture without the services of striker Merouane Zerrouki who has been out since early October after picking up a knock in a league stalemate away to Biskra.

Players to Watch

Former Newcastle United and Leicester City forward Islam Slimani provides vital experience up front for Belouizdad and comes into the fixture in good form after netting three times in seven league appearances this season. He is expected to captain the side, while fellow forward Khanyisa Mayo’s familiarity with the Buccaneers could prove valuable.

Algerian international Abdelraouf Benguit has also chipped in with a few goals from midfield and there’s experience and defensive stability provided by the likes of Chouaib Keddad and Mouad Hadded. Their goal is safeguarded by another seasoned campaigner in Toufik Moussaoui, who has started in all but two of their matches this season.

Head-to-Head

Tuesday’s match will unlock a new chapter in the two team’s history as they will be doing battle for the first time ever.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs CR Belouizdad

Kick-off is at 21:00, and the game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport and Supersport Channel 209. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s social media platforms.

The fixture takes place on Saturday afternoon at the National Stadium in Gaborone and is
another crucial tie for the Soweto Giants who have to navigate one more hurdle in their
quest for an extended run in Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

Form Guide
They go into the clash as the more battle-hardened of the two sides, having been involved in
knockout football domestically and in continental competition during the early part of their
2024/25 campaign. Pirates kicked off their season with a 3-1 win over SuperSport United in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 before seeing off Cape Town City over two legs of their semi-final tie, which
finished with a 3-1 aggregate score.

In between squaring off against their local rivals, they had to face the challenge posed by Madagascar outfit Disciples, who held them to a goalless draw in the away leg of the previous round of the Champions League. This was before the Buccaneers posted a convincing win at Orlando Stadium, winning 4-0 to set up another date with the men from Botswana.

For the home side, the fixture is only their third since successfully defending their Botswana
Premier League campaign. Their only other matches in the new season came in the first
preliminary round against Namibian outfit African Stars. Galaxy overcame what appeared to be a significant setback when they fell to a 1-0 defeat in their away leg. They however rallied back to force the tie into a penalty shootout, where they prevailed with a 7-5 scoreline.

Playing their third straight game at the National Stadium, they will look to make the most of
home-ground advantage ahead of the deciding leg in Soweto.

Team News
Both teams head into the fixture having spent a big chunk of the past week without a few key
first team squad members, who had departed for national duty. Goitseone Phoko and Benson Mangolo were both starters as Botswana suffered defeat at home to Egypt earlier in the week, and were among eight Galaxy players called up to the national team.

Pirates meanwhile have welcomed seven players back to camp after their involvement in the
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Jose Riveiro’s options could also soon be boosted by the imminent return to action of the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Bandile Shandu, while newly signed right-back Deano van Rooyen is finally available for selection after his move from Stellenbosch.

Players to Watch
Former Platinum Stars forward Thabang Sesinyi will be key in providing the spark up front, where he has often been deployed on the right while also capable of operating on the opposite flank as well as the centre-forward position. The veteran attacker could partner up with fellow forward Omaatla Kebatho, whose goal in the previous round proved crucial in setting up the clash against the Buccaneers.

Mangolo’s energy at either half of the pitch is an asset both on defence and attack, while
Phoko is an experienced figure between the sticks.

Head-to-Head
The two sides have had a few run-ins in continental football over the past few years, locking
horns in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup. Pirates’ first visit to the Botswana giants yielded a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg of the play-off round of the Confed Cup before they rounded off the tie with a 1-0 win at home.

Jwaneng had their revenge in the most recent encounter between the two sides as they
prevailed with a 2-1 aggregate score after winning 1-0 at the National Stadium and holding
the Soweto Giants to a 1-1 draw in the second leg at Orlando Stadium.

TV Coverage
The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 (SAST) and will be televised live on SABC Sport
and SABC+. You can also keep in touch with the action as it happens by following live
updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

The Buccaneers come into this encounter looking to avoid a potential banana skin with the match sitting on a knife edge after the First Leg ended in a goalless draw. Both clubs are yet to get off the mark but it will be the visitors who come with the slight mental edge having kept a clean sheet in the first leg encounter.

As for Riveiro and his charges. The team has to step up and dish out a performance befitting of the clubs prestige.

Player Availability

The hosts will be boosted by the return of Miguel Timm who has shaken off an injury that has kept him out of the last two matches. Another player who has been declared fit for tonight’s encounter is Thabiso Monyane. The hard-running wing back has been declared fit by the Bucs medical team after recovering from a toe injury.

Not Available

Meanwhile, apart from the list of players who are still recovering from their respective injuries, one other player who won’t be available for selection tonight is new signing Gilberto.

Gilberto, has missed the Buccaneers’ opening fixtures as he was awaiting his work permit.

However, Orlandopiratesfc.com can confirm that Gilberto has finally received the necessary paperwork to finally play in the famous Black and White. But this will only be from the next round of the CAF Champions  League qualifiers,  should Pirates win tonight.

Gilberto will be available for selection for the MTN8 clash against Cape Town City next week.