OPINION – Pirates and Sundowns can both still dream of continental glory

It was a bit of an underwhelming weekend for the two South African sides involved in the Caf Champions League semifinals. 

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The beauty of a two-legged fixture, however, is that it can all turn around in a short space of time. And Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are still firmly in the hunt for a place in the final of the Caf Champions League. 

Sundowns disappointment

Sundowns ought to have been the side to have left their semifinal, first leg the most disappointed. Given the experience the Tshwane giants have in playing Champions League football, they must have known the importance of a home win to take to Cairo for the second leg.

This is especially the case against a team with the continental pedigree of 12-time African champions Al Ahly. Yet Sundowns lacked intensity in their attacking play. Playing a home leg of a semifinal and not having one shot on target is a dreadful statistic.

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso spoke after the match of how Al Ahly had changed their formation to keep out his side. He also complained about a lack of spectators inside Loftus Stadium to cheer Sundowns on. 

Yet neither of these excuses can explain how blunt Sundowns were in attack, at least until Themba Zwane came on to add some spark in the last 20 minutes. 

Sundowns, however, can turn it around in Cairo, with many in their squad more than used to playing in the kind of cauldron they are likely to find at the Cairo International Stadium. Cardoso’s defence-minded style of play may well be better-suited to an away leg, where Sundowns can look to hold firm and hit Ahly on the counter attack. 

Pirates relief

Pirates may have experienced more relief than disappointment, after Pyramids had two goals disallowed by VAR in their goalless draw at Orlando Stadium. 

They were correctly disallowed, and Pyramids head coach Krunoslav Jurcic’s whining after the game was pathetic. But the fact remains that without VAR, Pirates would be 2-0 down heading to Cairo and almost certainly out of the competition. 

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For both Sundowns and Pirates, not conceding an away goal gives them an extra advantage. If they can score first in Cairo on Friday, suddenly the two South African sides will hold all the aces.