Pirates Sent Big Statement in CAF Champions League With Win Over Al Ahly in Cairo

• Soweto-based club, Orlando Pirates did the unthinkable as they secured top spot in Group C of the CAF Champions League ahead of Al Ahly
• The Premier Soccer League giants defeated the defending champions at the Cairo International Stadium to finish as leaders in the group
• The victory over the Egyptian Premier League giants has been tagged as a heavy statement to other opponents not rating the Buccaneers as one of the favourites in the CAF Elite competition before

Orlando Pirates are through to the next round of the CAF Champions League after finishing first in Group C ahead of Al Ahly.

The PSL side are now one of the favourites to win the competition after their convincing win over the defending champions, Al Ahly, in their last group-stage game over the weekend.

The Soweto giants are expected to face one of the clubs that finished second in other groups, except the Red Devils. There is a possibility they are drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Orlando Pirates sent big statement in CAF Champions League

In an exclusive chat with Briefly News, Sports journalist Uche Anuma believes Pirates' victory over Al Ahly has sent a message to other teams in the competition.

"Orlando Pirates beating Al Ahly in Cairo is a strong statement to other top opponents in the CAF Champions League this season," he said.

"Aside from Al Ahly being the defending champions of the competition, they're arguably the best team in Africa and the club to beat this season.

"The Bucs have stamped their place as one of the top favourites to win the CAF Champions League with their form in the group stage."

Anuma also suggested that the South African teams should hope they are not drawn against each other until the finals.

"Pirates must pray they avoid Sundowns in any of the rounds up to the finals," he added.

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"The Bucs have a good record against Masandawana in the final recently and could bank on that if they face the same stage in the CAF elite competition."

Orlando Pirates will switch focus back to the Betway Premiership as they are still three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Sea Robbers' next match in the Premier Soccer League will be against the struggling Royal AM side at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

A win for Jose Riveiro's men could put them level on the same points with the Brazilians, provided that they drop points against Magesi FC a day before.

Mofokeng reacts to Pirates' win over Al Ahly

Briefly News earlier reported that Relebohile Mofokeng opened up on Orlando Pirates historic win over Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League in Cairo.

The South African international who is also a transfer target for the Red Devils led by exampled by scoring the first goal of the match.

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The 20-year-old claimed the Premier Soccer League giants were expected to defeat the defending champions despite not being the favourites before the match.

Source: Briefly News