When it comes to continental football, it just doesn’t get bigger than Al Ahly SC. The Egyptian giants have earned their title as the CAF African Club of the Century for good reason. Not only are they the defending champions of the CAF Champions League, but they have also won the competition a record 12 times—more than any other club on the African continent.
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.
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.
Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller duirng the press conference today
Photo by Happy Modise