Orlando Pirates ended the CAF Champions League group stage at the summit with an unbeaten record, defeating defending champions Al Ahly 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
Progression to the knockout stages was already secured for both teams, but the group's top spot was still up for grabs. Pirates, under Jose Riveiro, employed a pragmatic approach against the record 11-time champions.
Relebohile Mofokeng gave Pirates the lead in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a deflection to slot the ball past Mostafa Shobier.
However, Al Ahly responded with a clinical counter-attack, with substitute Hussein El Shahat equalizing after Deon Hotto's misplaced pass.
GILBERTO’S WINNING GOAL
Late substitutes Tshegofatso Mabasa and Gilberto proved decisive. Mabasa's header hit the crossbar, but Gilberto was on hand to bundle the ball home in the 83rd minute, securing the victory and top spot for Pirates with 14 points from six games.
This marks a significant achievement for the Buccaneers, who were participating in the group stage for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
The other South African side Mamelodi Sundowns competing in the Champions League will take on AS FAR Rabat on Sunday, 19 January in their final group stage clash.
Meanwhile, in what will be a dead rubber, Stellenbosch FC will face off against RS Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup. They have already qualified for the quarterfinals.
