Orlando Pirates have learned their opponents for the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, following Thursday’s draw at beIN Sports’ headquarters in Doha, Qatar.
Following their first place finish in Group C, Pirates were seeded and will now face Algerian club MC Alger in the knockout stage. As a seeded team, Pirates will play the second leg of this tie at the fortress that is the Orlando Stadium. Should they progress, the Sowetan Giants will face either Egyptian side Pyramids or Moroccan club AS FAR in the semi-finals.
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Under the tutelage of Spanish mentor José Riveiro, the Sea Robbers have been in exceptional form on the continental stage, finishing ahead of North African giants and serial CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly (who have lifted the coveted title on twelve occasions – the most from all club’s in the competition), who secured second place. Pirates’ dominant performances have made them one of the favourites to lift the prestigious CAF Champions League trophy this season.
The 1995 Champions League winners are determined to go further and secure their second continental title, and their path to the semifinals will be anything but easy.
They face a tough MC Alger side that finished as runners-up in their group. MC Alger, a club with a rich history in African football, are also eyeing their second Champions League crown, having last won the competition in 1976.
Pirates’ strong group-stage performances against the likes of CR Belouizdad and Stade d’Abidjan showcased their depth, resilience and ability to secure a positive result – with the Mighty Buccaneers remaining unbeaten throughout the opening six matchdays of the African tournament.
Pirates will play the first leg of the quarter-final in Egypt, with the match scheduled to take place between April 1 and April 8, 2025. Should they emerge victorious, the Buccaneers will then face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Pyramids and AS FAR in the semi-finals.
Full CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Draw:
Al Ahly vs Al Hilal
Pyramids FC vs AS FAR Rabat
Orlando Pirates vs MC Alger
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance