* As the South African side renew 2013 rivalry with Egyptian and African football giants Al Ahly
* Pirates have strengthened their squad in recent seasons, bringing in talented players
* But it will take more than just quality on paper to go all the way in the CAF Champions League
Maravi Express
It has been more than a decade since current CAF Champions League holders, Al Ahly met with former champions Orlando Pirates in what was one of the most memorable two-legged final of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
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The two sides meet tomorrow in second matches of Group C at Orlando Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams enter the match level on three points after impressive opening-game victories.
Benni McCarthy, the 47-year-old African football legend, has weighed in on Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of their first continental championship since 1995.
Having spent time at the club between 2011 and 2013, McCarthy knows the high expectations that come with playing for the Buccaneers and the pressure of chasing glory on the continental stage.
Benni McCarthy
McCarthy, who shook the continental stage in the 1998 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Burkina Faso, where South Africa finished second, is regarded as one of the country’s best exports.
The former striker believes that Pirates’ squad depth will be a crucial factor as they aim to secure the CAF Champions League title and with the club’s last continental success coming nearly three decades ago, the current Pirates squad has the potential to make history, but only if they can handle the intense competition and pressure that comes with African football’s premier competition — according to McCarthy.
“Pirates have done well so far, there will come a point where they have to prioritise because Pirates have not played in the Champions League for a couple of years now,” he told CAFonline.
“Sundowns have year in, year out, so they are probably more advanced than Pirates in this situation with all the travelling and then coming back a day before match and having to prepare already to go and play in the league.”
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The former striker highlighted that the team’s depth will be tested more than ever before, especially as they face off against some of the top clubs from across Africa.
Pirates have strengthened their squad in recent seasons, bringing in talented players, but McCarthy knows that it will take more than just quality on paper to go all the way in the CAF Champions League.
“It’s going to be tough for them. So, I hope they have a big enough squad and enough squad depth that they can rotate because they’re going to have to do that.
“They’re going to have to rotate and it has to be spot on as well. You can’t be thinking that you don’t need to win these games because when you’re on the heels of Sundowns whose machine continuously knows how to win.
“But I think they can manage. They are managing really good so far and it’s just about how much they can keep their best players [available] that’s the most important thing, not getting injuries.
“But we wish them more than luck because so far so good and that’s only another strength for South African football.”
The last showdown between Pirates and Ahly
As Pirates set their sights on continental glory, they must rely on their squad’s depth and the tactical acumen of coach Jose Riveiro and his coaching staff to navigate the rigors of the competition.
Pirates secured a gritty 2-1 win over Algeria’s Belouizdad, with Mohau Nkota netting both goals, while Al Ahly dominated Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan 4-2, led by a Kahraba brace.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasized the magnitude of tomorrow’s clash: “We are going to be tested at a very high level and will face the week with good attitude and motivation, with the intention to offer a good performance on Saturday here against Al Ahly.”
Al Ahly boasts an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak in away games across all competitions, a testament to their formidable form.
In their last six matches, the Egyptian side scored 14 goals and conceded only five, with seven of those goals coming in the first half.
Pirates, however, have been equally dominant at home, winning all CAF Champions League qualifiers on their turf this season and scoring seven first-half goals in their last six outings.
The match also revives a historic rivalry, with Pirates having edged past Al Ahly 4-3 in their last meeting in October 2015.
Tense atmosphere in 2013
November 2013 marked what would be the 8th CAF Champions League title for the Egyptian giants, coming at the expense of a Pirates side that was yearning for continental success since their 1995 triumph in Côte d’Ivoire.
A 1-1 stalemate in Orlando courtesy of a sublime free kick by the legendary Mohamed Aboutrika, which was cancelled out by a long-range strike by Thabo Matlaba, concluded a dramatic first leg ahead of what would be a 2-0 second leg victory for the Egyptians in Cairo to shatter the South Africans’ ambitions of lifting the title for the second time.
Since then, the Red Devils have went on to win four more titles to extend their record to 12, while the Buccaneers continue to aim for what has been an elusive continental crown.
Pirates have since come agonisingly close to tasting continental success after stumbling in the final hurdle in the CAF Confederation Cup 2015 final against Etoile du Sahel and again in the 2022 final against RS Berkane.
Following their disappointing preliminary round exit last season, the former champions under the tutelage of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro are now looking like a side that is ready to contest Africa’s biggest club competition.
Their domestic form has been nothing short of exceptional, with four cup wins under the Spanish mentor in the last two seasons.
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Pirates’ opening Group C match was a strong signal of intent as they overcame CR Belouizdad in a hostile 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers.
The Egyptian giants on the other hand remain strong title contenders and have shown great continental pedigree over the years. Led by their Swiss coach Marcel Kohler, who has won two back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, Ahly look to continue their dominance on the continent.
Seasoned campaigners like Hussein El Shahat and South African-born Percy Tau will be key for the more fancied Egyptians, while the exciting emergence of youngsters Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, who scored a scorcher against Belouizdad, will be troublesome for the Egyptians.
Meanwhile, in the other Group C encounter at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny it will be a battle for redemption as Stade d’Abidjan and CR Belouizdad will look to bounce back after opening-day defeats.
The hosts fell 4-2 to Al Ahly despite goals from Kassoum Koné and Roger Assalé, while Belouizdad suffered a 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, with Khanyisa Mayo providing their lone strike.
Stade d’Abidjan have been unbeaten in home qualifiers, showcasing resilience despite conceding heavily and Belouizdad, on the other hand, have shown mixed form on the road but remains a potent attacking force, scoring eight goals in their last six matches.
Both teams are level on zero points, making this fixture critical for their survival in the competition and with the likes of Mayo, Koné, and Assalé leading the charge, this game could go down to the wire.—Content by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express
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