CAF Champions League
By Sello Masilo
Today, 18 January 2025, Al Ahly SC from Egypt takes on Orlando Pirates FC in what promises to be an electrifying encounter in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. This match, set in Cairo, is not just about securing points but also about clinching the top spot in their group. While Al Ahly has already secured their place in the knockout stages, the outcome of this game will determine the group leader. Orlando Pirates, riding on a wave of national support, are looking to maintain an unbeaten run and potentially secure their advancement. Fans across South Africa are uniting in support, setting aside local rivalries to cheer for their team in this crucial clash.
Group C Standings and Stakes
As of now, Orlando Pirates lead Group C with 11 points from five matches, closely followed by Al Ahly with 10 points. This final group stage match will determine who tops the group, offering a potentially more favourable draw in the knockout stages. A draw would suffice for the Pirates to maintain their lead, but a win for Al Ahly would see them leapfrog to the top.
Historical Encounters
The history between these two clubs adds an extra layer of intrigue. In their last seven meetings, Orlando Pirates have secured three wins, Al Ahly one, with three matches ending in draws. Notably, their most recent encounter on 7 December 2024 ended in a goalless draw, highlighting the evenly matched nature of these teams. 
Recent Form
Al Ahly comes into this match with a strong home record, having won their last seven home games in the CAF Champions League. They are undefeated in their last ten home matches in this competition, showcasing their dominance at Cairo International Stadium. 
Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, are on an impressive unbeaten streak in the CAF Champions League, with their last ten matches yielding no losses. Their defensive solidity is evident, conceding an average of just 0.33 goals per match in the competition. 
Team News and Key Players
Al Ahly will look to their talismanic forward, Percy Tau, who has been instrumental in their attacking prowess this season. Midfielder Emam Ashour is also expected to play a crucial role in dictating the tempo of the game.
For Orlando Pirates, the spotlight will be on Relebohile Mofokeng, whose creativity in midfield has been a driving force for the team. Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will be key in organising the backline against Al Ahly’s potent attack.
Broadcast Information
South African fans can catch the live broadcast of this crucial match on SABC 2 at 18:00 SAST. The widespread coverage reflects the national interest in this high-stakes encounter.
Predictions and Expectations
Given both teams’ formidable form and the stakes involved, a closely contested match is anticipated. Al Ahly’s home advantage and experience in high-pressure situations may give them a slight edge. However, Orlando Pirates’ resilient defence and unbeaten run suggest they are more than capable of securing a positive result.
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