Orlando Pirates advance to TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Semi-Finals

Orlando Pirates have completed the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-final line-up after holding MC Alger to a goalless draw on Wednesday evening in Soweto.

The match was a hard-fought battle between the two sides, with both teams matching each other in all departments throughout the highly tactical encounter.

The Pirates’ coach, Jose Riveiro, opted for a more cautious approach to the tie, aiming to protect their slender lead thanks to Mohau Nkota’s away goal in Algiers. The visitors pressed the former champions into their own half from the opening whistle, but the Pirates’ defense, marshaled by captain Tapelo Xoki, did well to keep their opponents at bay.

After the break, the Pirates took on a more offensive approach, with the introduction of fresh legs that injected much-needed firepower up front. Substitute Patrick Maswanganyi was unlucky not to see his shot beat the keeper after cutting inside and unleashing a powerful effort that was well saved by Abdelatif Ramdan.

Another substitute, Tshegofatso Mabasa, almost put matters beyond reach in the 90th minute after pouncing on a loose ball to send a strike that came off the frame of the goal to his disappointment. The visitors continued to probe but lacked the final touch that could break the Pirates’ defense.

The result sees the 1995 champions complete the semi-finals line-up and set up a clash with Egyptian side Pyramids FC. The Pirates will be looking to make a strong impression in the semi-finals, and their fans will be eagerly anticipating the match.