Orlando Pirates advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after holding Algeria’s MC Alger to a goalless draw in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, completing a 1-0 aggregate win over the North African side.
The South African outfit, who claimed the title back in 1995, came into the return leg with a slender lead following their first-leg victory in Algiers last week and held their nerve in front of a passionate home crowd at Orlando Stadium.
Despite MC Alger dominating possession and chasing an equaliser for much of the match, the Buccaneers produced a disciplined and compact defensive display to frustrate the visitors and protect their advantage.
MC Alger, who were seeking their first semi-final berth in the Champions League since their historic title win in 1976, failed to break down the Pirates’ organised backline, missing several chances throughout the second leg.
The result sends Pirates into the last four of the tournament for the first time since 2013, where they will face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, who overcame Morocco’s Royal Army FC 4-3 on aggregate in their quarter-final clash.
The semi-final tie between Pirates and Pyramids will mark a first-ever Champions League meeting between the two sides, with both clubs eager to reach the continental final.
Meanwhile, the other semi-final will see a blockbuster clash between defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, setting the stage for a mouthwatering end to Africa’s elite club competition.
