Al Ahly faced a cruel twist of fate as they were held to a 1-1 draw in stoppage time, squandering a valuable lead from the first leg of the African Champions League final. The Egyptian club had exerted themselves in the first half, securing an early lead with a phenomenal free kick by Mohamed Aboutrika. Despite Orlando Pirates’ attempts to stage a comeback, Al Ahly seemed to have the match under control.
However, spurred on by the passionate support of the nation, the Pirates displayed renewed vigor in the second half. The team, led by a relatively quiet Bacela, struggled to make an impact, a testament to the strategic awareness of their coach, Roger de Sa, who was well aware of the formidable nature of their opponents.
Notably, Al Ahly, historically unable to secure a victory in South Africa, faced a challenging encounter. Even with the introduction of Dominique Da Silva, who unsettled the South African defense, the Egyptian team couldn’t extend their lead. In an unexpected turn of events, Thabo Matlaba capitalized on a lapse from Wael Gomaa and his teammates to score a crucial goal just when it seemed the match was concluding.
The result leaves Orlando Pirates with a reprieve as they prepare for their upcoming journey to Egypt. With the return match scheduled for November 9, both teams are poised for a decisive showdown.
