Orlando Pirates have officially booked their spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-finals after a gritty goalless draw against MC Alger on Wednesday night at a packed Orlando Stadium, progressing 1-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg win in Algiers.
Despite the home advantage, coach Jose Riveiro opted for a conservative game plan, aiming to protect the slender lead earned by Mohau Nkota’s away goal last week. It proved to be the right call in a tactical chess match against the former Algerian giants.
MC Alger came out with attacking intent, pushing Pirates deep into their own half from the opening whistle. But led by a composed captain Tapelo Xoki, the Buccaneers’ backline stood tall, soaking up pressure and maintaining shape.
In the second half, Riveiro introduced attacking reinforcements and Patrick Maswanganyi nearly doubled the advantage with a powerful strike that forced a fine save from Abdelatif Ramdan. Another chance fell to Tshegofatso Mabasa, whose late effort rattled the post in the 90th minute.
The South Africans held firm as MC Alger threw everything forward in a frantic finish, but the Pirates’ defensive resilience paid off. The 1995 champions now prepare for a high-stakes semi-final clash against Egypt’s Pyramids FC, who are making history of their own.
Complete dominance! 👏
Orlando Pirates continue their stellar 2024/25 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL run with a spot in the semi-finals! pic.twitter.com/yrHoJqvWyk
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025Pyramids FC Reach Historic First CAF Champions League Semi-Final Despite Defeat in Rabat
Pyramids FC have written a new chapter in their rapid rise through African football, reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final despite a narrow 2-0 loss to FAR Rabat on Tuesday night in Morocco.
The Egyptian side held a crucial 4-3 aggregate lead, having done the damage in the first leg with a commanding 4-1 victory in Cairo. That cushion proved just enough to survive the Moroccan onslaught.
FAR Rabat, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, struck early through Youssef El-Fahli and pressed relentlessly for a second. After several close calls and heroic saves from veteran keeper Ahmed El-Shenawy, substitute Joel Villa finally added a second in the 82nd minute, setting up a nail-biting finale.
A third goal would have completed a stunning comeback, but Zahzouh’s stoppage-time free-kick flew just wide. Pyramids held on to spark celebrations, sealing a semi-final date with Orlando Pirates.
Al Ahly Dispatch Al Hilal to Reach Sixth Straight CAF Champions League Semi-Final
Defending champions Al Ahly SC showed their trademark composure and pedigree once again, edging Al Hilal 1-0 in Mauritania to secure a 2-0 aggregate win and reach their sixth consecutive CAF Champions League semi-final.
The match was cagey, with both sides cancelling each other out early on. But in the 80th minute, it was Imam Ashour who delivered once again, striking a clinical winner to seal Ahly’s passage to the final four.
Al Ahly will now meet familiar rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, setting the stage for a titanic battle between two of Africa’s modern giants.
Sundowns Dig Deep in Tunis to Set Up CAF Champions League Clash with Al Ahly
Mamelodi Sundowns held Espérance de Tunis to a tense 0-0 draw in Rades on Tuesday night, securing a 1-0 aggregate victory and advancing to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
With Peter Shalulile’s goal from the first leg proving decisive, Sundowns delivered a tactical masterclass, with Ronwen Williams producing a string of key saves to deny the Tunisians.
Despite heavy pressure, the South Africans came close to extending their lead through Lucas Ribeiro and Marcelo Allende, who struck the woodwork.
Espérance had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, and with that, their hopes were dashed as Sundowns calmly saw out the final minutes to book a blockbuster semi-final with Al Ahly.
CAF Champions League Semi-Finals:
- Al Ahly SC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC
Africa’s elite club competition is down to its final four, and the road to continental glory is heating up. With former champions, history-makers, and ambitious challengers all in the mix, the CAF Champions League 2025 semi-finals promise fireworks.
