Pyramids Defeat Orlando Pirates 3-2 to Secure Final Spot at 30 June Stadium

Pyramids vs Orlando Pirates

Pyramids Defeat Orlando Pirates 3-2 to Secure Final Spot at 30 June Stadium. In a thrilling match filled with intensity, goals, and dramatic moments, Pyramids Football Club came from behind to defeat Orlando Pirates 3-2 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Friday evening, booking their place in the final of the competition.

The much-anticipated second leg of the semi-final delivered fireworks from the very start. Both sides showed hunger and commitment, knowing that a place in the final was at stake. With the aggregate score tied at 0-0 after the first leg in South Africa, everything was left to be decided in Cairo.

A High-Paced First Half Sets the Tone

The action started early with Pyramids enjoying more possession, controlling 60% of the ball in the opening 10 minutes. Their first real chance came when Mostafa Fathi unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from the centre of the box, but it sailed high and wide. Orlando Pirates responded with their first attempt in the sixth minute — a cross from the left flank found Relebohile Mofokeng, but his header was comfortably saved by Ahmed El Shenawy.

Both teams fought fiercely in midfield, leading to few clear-cut opportunities as the ball was contested heavily in the centre of the pitch. However, as the first half wore on, the Pirates began to show more promise. They started putting pressure on the home side, winning multiple corners and creating half-chances.

In the 41st minute, Orlando Pirates struck first. Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net with a clinical right-footed finish from the centre of the box, following a headed pass from Tapelo Xoki during a set-piece situation. The Pirates’ travelling fans erupted in celebration as their team edged closer to the final.

But just before half-time, the home side responded. In the second minute of added time, Fiston Mayele smashed in a right-footed shot from close range after a precise cross from Mostafa Fathi, levelling the match at 1-1. The sides went into the break with everything still to play for.

Second Half Drama and Turnaround

The second half started with high intensity. In the 52nd minute, Mohau Nkota put the Pirates back in front with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box into the left corner. It was a goal of real quality and showed the Pirates’ intent to finish the job.

But Pyramids, urged on by a passionate home crowd, refused to back down. Just six minutes later, Ramadan Sobhi, who had come on as a substitute, headed home from close range after being set up by Mohamed Chibi, making it 2-2.

The game opened up even more, with both teams creating chances. Pirates’ coach made tactical changes, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini to try and regain control of the midfield. Later, he introduced Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshegofatso Mabasa in an attempt to find an equaliser when they fell behind.

In the 85th minute, Fiston Mayele grabbed his second goal of the night, taking advantage of a loose ball following a corner to score from close range, putting Pyramids 3-2 ahead and turning the stadium into a cauldron of noise.

Despite six minutes of injury time being added, Orlando Pirates could not find the crucial equaliser to send the game to extra time. Pyramids held on, with goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy receiving a yellow card for time-wasting as the hosts expertly managed the closing stages.

Substitutions and Tactical Adjustments

Both managers made several substitutions to try and swing the match in their favour. For the home side, Ramadan Sobhi, Sodiq Ougola, and Bandile Shandu replaced Deano van Rooyen, Mohanad Lasheen, and Karim Hafez.

For Orlando Pirates, Kabelo Dlamini came on for Thalente Mbatha, while later Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshegofatso Mabasa replaced Tapelo Xoki and Evidence Makgopa. However, the tactical switches were not enough to stop Pyramids’ momentum.

A Match Defined by Moments

The statistics reflected a balanced contest. Pyramids finished with 10 shots to Pirates’ 9, and five shots on target to Pirates’ three. Both sides committed fully, with three yellow cards shown: two for Pirates and one for Pyramids’ goalkeeper.

The game was characterised by moments of brilliance — Mofokeng’s opener, Nkota’s screamer, and Mayele’s poacher’s finishes — as well as tense midfield battles and determined defending.

Road to the Semi-Final

Pyramids’ journey to the semi-final included a strong showing against AS FAR and tough encounters against Haras El-Hodood and Al Ahly. Their resilience throughout the tournament showed again on Friday night.

Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, had a solid campaign with wins over Marumo Gallants, Polokwane City, and MC Alger. Their road to the semi-final demonstrated their growth and consistency under pressure.

Their first-leg meeting a week ago in South Africa ended 0-0, setting up Friday’s clash perfectly.

Teams’ Lineups

Pyramids Starting XI: Ahmed El Shenawy, Mohamed Chibi, Ali Gabr Marei, Ahmed Samy, Mohamed Hamdi, Walid El Karti, Mohanad Lasheen, Touré, Mostafa Fathi, Fiston Mayele, Karim Hafez.

Orlando Pirates Starting XI: Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane, Deano van Rooyen, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, Deon Hotto, Mohau Nkota, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng.

No Injuries or Suspensions

Importantly, both sides were at full strength for this encounter, with no injuries or suspensions affecting their squads. This meant the coaches could deploy their best possible lineups without compromise.

Looking Ahead: Pyramids Eye Glory

For Pyramids, this victory marks a historic moment as they reach the final, showcasing the growth of Egyptian club football. They will now prepare for a massive final as they look to secure silverware and crown their impressive campaign.

Meanwhile, for Orlando Pirates, despite the heartbreak of defeat, there is pride in their journey. They fought valiantly away from home and showed their quality against tough opposition. Their performance throughout the tournament will serve as a solid foundation for future continental campaigns.

Final Reflections

This semi-final second leg will be remembered as a battle of spirit, resilience, and attacking flair. Pyramids showed composure under pressure, while Orlando Pirates displayed courage and fighting spirit to the very last whistle.

Both teams left everything on the pitch, and the fans were treated to a five-goal thriller packed with memorable moments.

As the final whistle blew at the 30 June Stadium, it was the Pyramids players and supporters who celebrated into the Cairo night, while the Pirates were left to reflect on what might have been.