The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has it’s final quartet, delivering a sensational semi-final lineup that sees South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates against Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly and the ascendant Pyramids FC respectively.
Football enthusiasts across the continent are bracing themselves for a thrilling climax to the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with each of the final four contenders vying for an opportunity of lifting the coveted trophy.
Pirates Navigate Tricky Tie to Secure Semi-Final Berth
Orlando Pirates advances to the semi-final stage of the competition after a composed performance against Algeria’s MC Alger. Following their slender 1 nil victory in the first leg, the Buccaneers hosted the second leg in Johannesburg, where they successfully navigated a tense goalless draw on Wednesday evening.
Their resolute defensive display nullified any hopes of a comeback for the Algerian side, securing Pirates’ passage to the final four with a 1-0 aggregate win. Coach Jose Riveiro will set his sights on preparing his charges for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
Pyramids FC Continue Their Historic Continental Ascent
Pyramids FC are scripting a remarkable chapter in their club’s history as their dream run in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League continues. The Egyptian outfit overcame a stern test against Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat, ultimately prevailing 4-3 on aggregate. Despite a nervy 2-0 defeat in the second leg away in Morocco, the foundation laid by their dominant first-leg performance in Cairo proved insurmountable.
This hard-fought aggregate victory propels Pyramids FC into their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final, marking a significant milestone for the club. They now stand on the cusp of continental immortality as they prepare for a mouthwatering clash against Orlando Pirates in what will undoubtedly be the most significant continental tie in their relatively young history.
Al Ahly and Sundowns Set to Reignite Familiar Rivalry
Record ten-time champions Al Ahly have once again positioned themselves as serious contenders, securing their semi-final spot with a comfortable 2 nil aggregate victory over Sudan’s Al Hilal. The mercurial Imam Ashour, netting in both quarter-final legs, proved pivotal for Marcel Koller’s side as they continue their quest to defend their crown and add yet another star to their illustrious history.
Next up is for the Red Devils is a highly anticipated encounter with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who themselves navigated a tight quarter-final against Esperance of Tunisia, edging the Tunisian giants 1-0 on aggregate. The rivalry between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns is vast, with the two giants being pitted against one another in recent editions of CAF competitions, promising another classic two-legged affair!
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Semi-Final Fixtures:
The stage is now set for these compelling semi-final clashes, with the first legs scheduled to ignite the continent on April 18th or 19th, followed by the decisive second legs a week later.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly (1st leg: April 18th/19th, 2nd leg: April 25th/26th)
Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC (1st leg: April 18th/19th, 2nd leg: April 25th/26th)