In an electrifying showdown at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Orlando Pirates’ quest for continental glory ended in heartbreak as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semifinals on Friday night. The Buccaneers, who last lifted the prestigious trophy three decades ago, were tantalisingly close to returning to the final but saw their dreams dashed in a match that showcased the highs and lows of African club football.
Having battled to a goalless draw in the opening leg at FNB Stadium, the Pirates appeared poised to make an impact in Cairo. Yet, their unbeaten run in the competition met the stern test of Pyramids, who qualified for their first-ever Champions League final, continuing an impressive home record that has defined their campaign.
The contest got off to an intense start, with both teams eager to seize control. Just seconds into the game, Pyramids’ Mostafa Fathi found himself through on goal but squandered his chance, failing to convert a first-time effort. It took Pirates roughly ten minutes to trouble Pyramids’ goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, with Evidence Makgopa unable to capitalise on a promising cutback from Deon Hotto.
Despite a lack of clear-cut chances early on, Pirates began to establish themselves, pushing further into the opposition’s territory. However, it was Pyramids who held dominion over possession but struggled to create any substantial opportunities. As the first half progressed, the Buccaneers elicited a sigh of relief when they found the breakthrough through Relebohile Mofokeng, who volleyed home from a set piece in the 41st minute to give Pirates a 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately for the Soweto Giants, their lead was short-lived. Just before the interval, a lapse in concentration in defence allowed Fiston Mayele to level the match at 1-1 with a timely strike. Nevertheless, the away-goal rule still offered Pirates a slender advantage as the teams headed into the break.
Determined to grasp the initiative after the restart, Pirates struck again with an audacious effort from Mohau Nkota in the 52nd minute. His stunning long-range strike left El Shenawy helpless, reinstating Pirates’ hope at 2-1. But Pyramids responded almost instantly, penetrating the Pirates’ defence once more as Ramadan Sobhi equalised just five minutes later, demonstrating the razor-thin margins characteristic of knockout football.
As the match unfolded, the tension escalated with both sides searching for the decisive goal. Pyramids had several opportunities to take the lead, including a near miss from Mayele, and Pirates found themselves scrambling to defend. Sipho Chaine, the Pirates’ goalkeeper, made crucial saves to keep his side in contention, but as fatigue set in during the closing stages, Pyramids launched a relentless attack.
In a final twist of fate, failure to clear a corner left Mayele with another opportunity, and he capitalised, scoring Pyramids’ third goal to push the score to 3-2. With the clock ticking down, Pirates fought fruitlessly to regain the initiative, but Pyramids held firm, inching ever closer to their first final.
As the final whistle blew, disappointment engulfed the Pirates as they faced the reality of their exit, unable to clinch a place in the final for the first time in 12 years. The collective spirit of the Buccaneers was evident, but it was not enough to overcome the resolute Pyramids, leaving South African fans yearning for a return to the pinnacle of African club football.