Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League in what is their toughest assignment in the competition so far on Saturday.
Pirates are away to Al Ahly in their final group match which will be staged at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening and Jose Riveiro’s team can expect a hostile environment.
The Egyptians are known for intimidating fans at their backyard and Pirates will have a taste of playing on enemy territory given most of Riveiro’s players are yet to feature at this stage.
Form guide
Pirates head into the match high on confidence following their 2-1 win over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad which secured their place in the quarter-final and are now playing to top the group.
The South African side are top of their group with 11 points, one ahead of Al Ahly, and can maintain top spot if they avoid defeat in Cairo.
Pirates have suffered just one defeat in 13 matches, a formidable record that has to concern Al Ahly, even if they are the defending champions and have claimed a record 12 African titles.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly have also lost just one game all season, a 1-0 reverse to Belouizdad on January 3, and will feel confident of collecting three points.
Head-to-head
Pirates have a formidable record against Al Ahly as in seven meetings, they are unbeaten in six, losing just once.
That record includes three wins and as many draws, among them a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium in December, during the first leg.
It is nine years since Pirates were last in Cairo when they secured a 4-3 aggregate win against Al Ahly in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final to seal a place in the final following a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Team News
Pirates have no fresh injury concerns although it will be interesting to see if Riveiro will shake up the squad now that they are qualified.
Players who will be angling for a start include Monnapule Saleng, whose absence is still a mystery, while Al Ahly begin life without Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau who has since signed for Qatar SC.
What have they said?
Al Ahly captain and goalkeeper Mohamed Mohamed El-Shenawy is counting on the fans to bring an intimidating atmosphere that will lead them to victory.
“Our goal is to win and take the top spot in the group, even though Orlando is a strong team and has achieved many victories inside and outside its home stadium in the group stage,” he said.
“We are waiting for the massive presence of fans to raise the enthusiasm and morale of Al-Ahly players. We are also training vigorously and renewing our motivation in order to continue achieving victories.
“Our goal is always for Al-Ahly to continue in first place, win titles and make its fans happy.”
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 18.00 at the Cairo International Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV (209) and SABC.
Pirates predicted line-up
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Sesane, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Mbatha, Mabasa
