Pyramids FC and Orlando Pirates are set for a decisive clash on Friday evening in Cairo, as both sides seek a place in the final of the 2025 CAF Champions League.
Following a goalless first leg dominated by tactical discipline, the return fixture at the June 30 Stadium promises a far more intense encounter. With a spot in the continent’s most prestigious club final on the line, neither side can afford to falter.
Pyramids FC will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage in front of a passionate Egyptian crowd. Their dominance in possession during the opening leg failed to yield a breakthrough, and coach Jaime Pacheco will be urging his players to convert their attacking phases into clear opportunities this time around.
Efficiency in front of goal will be key if the Cairo-based outfit are to secure a maiden appearance in the final.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, are banking on their well-organised defence and swift counter-attacks to unlock the Egyptian back line.
The South African side, who lifted the trophy in 1995, remain confident that their tactical discipline and resilience on the road will once again serve them well in hostile territory.
Their performance in the first leg showcased their ability to frustrate opponents and exploit spaces in transition — a strategy they are expected to continue on Friday.
With the aggregate score still level at 0–0, the pressure is mounting. The match, scheduled for 18:00 GMT, will demand mental fortitude and strategic precision from both sides.
Every pass, every challenge, and every decision could determine who takes the final step toward continental glory.
The tie has all the ingredients of a classic, with two teams boasting strong individual talent, contrasting styles, and a burning desire to reach the pinnacle of African club football.
For Pyramids FC, this represents a chance to etch their name in history, while for the Buccaneers, it is another step in their quest to return to the summit of African football.
The road to the final has been anything but easy for either side, and with the stakes higher than ever, Friday’s encounter promises to deliver drama, intensity, and no shortage of emotion.
Only one team will book their place in the CAF Champions League final — and by the end of the night, Africa will know whether it is Cairo’s Pyramids or Johannesburg’s Orlando Pirates who have earned that right.
