Orlando Pirates are focused on securing a crucial victory against Al Ahly in Egypt this Saturday, aiming to finish at the top of CAF Champions League Group C. The match is scheduled for 18:00 at the Cairo International Stadium.
Currently sitting at the summit of Group C with 11 points from five matches, the South African side holds a slender one-point advantage over the defending champions, Al Ahly.
Both teams have already guaranteed their place in the competition’s knockout stages, with CR Belouizdad (Algeria) and Stade d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) unable to advance.
Despite having secured qualification, Orlando Pirates are determined to claim top spot in the group, which would grant them the advantage of hosting the return leg in the next round.
Achieving this goal is a key priority for the team as they aim to continue their strong run in the tournament.
“The team is very motivated for a match against Al Ahly,” said defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. “We want to finish the group undefeated and at the top. That is our main objective.
We are aiming for a positive result in Cairo.”
As one of the two South African teams still in the competition, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, the Buccaneers carry the hopes of their nation on their shoulders.
Sibisi sees this match as an opportunity to further cement their impressive group stage campaign, which has seen them remain unbeaten.
“Our priority is to get a good result here that would allow us to remain unbeaten in the group,” he added. “We want to represent our country and make them proud.”
With both teams already through to the knockout rounds, this match will serve as an important test for Orlando Pirates, who are looking to maintain their momentum ahead of the crucial knockout stages.