Match Recap
The thrilling encounter saw the Pirates assert their dominance early, pressing high and showcasing their attacking prowess. Despite Al Ahly’s rich history and reputation in African football, they found themselves on the back foot as Mofokeng and Mabasa struck crucial goals for the visitors in the 53rd and 83rd minutes, respectively.
Al Ahly managed to score once but couldn’t match the intensity of the Pirates, ultimately falling short of salvaging the match. With this defeat, the Egyptian giants concluded their group stage campaign with 10 points but still secured second place to join the Pirates in the next round.
Final Group C Standings
- Orlando Pirates (Q) – 14 points
- Al Ahly (Q) – 10 points
- CR Belouizdad – 9 points
- Stade d'Abidjan – 1 point
The Pirates’ unbeaten run through six matches was underlined by their ability to secure four wins and two draws, while Al Ahly’s campaign was more turbulent, with three wins and two losses. CR Belouizdad narrowly missed out on qualification, despite a commendable effort, while Stade d'Abidjan endured a tough outing with just a single point and a -14 goal difference.
Quarter-Final Outlook
Orlando Pirates’ stellar form places them as one of the favorites heading into the knockout rounds. They’ll be looking to carry this momentum and challenge for the CAF Champions League trophy. Meanwhile, Al Ahly, despite their patchy group stage, remains a formidable contender, boasting the experience and pedigree required to perform at this stage.
Both teams await the quarter-final draw, which promises to bring more excitement as the competition narrows down to the continent’s elite.
0 Comments