Can Pirates and Sundowns set up a Champions League final?

Caf Champions League semifinal, first legs

Orlando Pirates v Pyramids FC

Orlando Pirates are taking Pyramids FC to FNB Stadium this weekend, and will hope for at least a mostly-full stadium to cheer them on in the first leg of their Caf Champions League semifinal. 

Jose Riveiro’s side will look to take a decent lead to Egypt for the second leg, and should be full of confidence as they aim to finish the season with a fine haul of trophies. 

Pirates have already won the MTN8, will play Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the Nedbank Cup on May 10, and are still in with a chance of chasing down Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. 

Riveiro’s final campaign at the helm could end in spectacular fashion, and it would truly peak if Pirates can end up as continental champions for just the second time. 

Pyramids are very much the new force in Egyptian football, only founded in 2018 but currently top of the Egyptian Premier League and looking for a first even domestic championship. 

Pirates, however, look like an unstoppable force right now and should have enough to take a decent win to Cairo.

Prediction – Pirates 2 Pyramids 0 

Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns against Al Ahly has become one of the key fixtures in the continental club game over the years. And the two sides will go head-to-head again on Saturday in the first leg of their Caf Champions League semifinal at Loftus Stadium.

Sundowns actually have a winning record over the 12-time Champions League winners, picking up five victories to Ahly’s four, with five draws. 

Most recently, Sundowns beat Ahly in the semifinals of the African Football League in late 2023. Sundowns also beat Ahly three times in the Champions League group stages from 2022 to 2023, with the other game ending 2-2. 

Ahly last beat Sundowns when they knocked them out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage in 2021. 

Miguel Cardoso’s side showed plenty of resolve in knocking out Esperance in the last round, and will need plenty more against the experienced Egyptians. 

Prediction: Sundowns 1 Ahly 0