Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC: A Fierce Battle in the CAF Champions League Semi-Finals

The first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals between Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC delivered everything football fans could have hoped for—intensity, drama, and moments of sheer brilliance.

Played under the glowing stadium lights in Johannesburg, this showdown was not just a game; it was a display of strategy, passion, and an unyielding thirst for continental glory.

With both teams determined to secure an early advantage ahead of the second leg, the tension was palpable from the first whistle to the very last second.

From the opening minutes, Orlando Pirates showed their intent.

The South African giants pushed forward with aggression, using their pace on the flanks to stretch the Pyramids FC defense.

It didn’t take long for the first real chance to arrive.

A cross from Monnapule Saleng nearly found striker Zakhele Lepasa unmarked in the box, but Pyramids FC goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy was quick off his line to gather the ball and deny the early opportunity.

The Egyptian visitors, however, were not rattled.

Pyramids FC, known for their structured and disciplined approach, settled into the game and began dictating the tempo through the midfield trio of Ramadan Sobhi, Abdallah El Said, and Walid El Karti.

They focused on retaining possession and looking for gaps in the Pirates’ defense.

In the 21st minute, a brilliant piece of interplay between Sobhi and El Karti carved open the Pirates’ backline, only for El Said’s shot to cannon off the crossbar—a warning that the visitors had teeth.

It was a balanced contest with moments of end-to-end action.

In the 29th minute, Pirates almost capitalized on a defensive lapse when Thembinkosi Lorch intercepted a lazy back-pass, dribbled past a defender, and unleashed a powerful shot that forced a fingertip save from El Shenawy.

The home crowd roared in appreciation of their team’s fighting spirit, as the game continued to unfold like a high-stakes chess match.

Just before halftime, the deadlock was broken.

A swift counterattack from Pyramids FC caught the Pirates out of shape.

Sobhi, once again pivotal, raced down the left wing and delivered a pin-point low cross into the box.

Fagrie Lakay was in the perfect position to tap it in, giving the Egyptian side a crucial away goal and a 1-0 lead.

The goal silenced the Orlando crowd momentarily, but the Pirates knew there was still a long way to go in this two-legged affair.

The second half saw a reinvigorated Orlando Pirates side return with renewed energy.

Head coach José Riveiro made two tactical changes, introducing Vincent Pule and Miguel Timm to add more creativity and steel to the midfield.

The move paid off almost instantly.

In the 53rd minute, a corner swung in by Pule found the head of Thapelo Xoki, whose thunderous header was denied by the crossbar—a near miss that sent shockwaves through the Pyramids FC defense.

As the clock ticked on, the Pirates’ pressure intensified.

The Egyptian team resorted to a more defensive posture, pulling men behind the ball and looking to hit on the counter.

It was a dangerous game, and eventually, they paid the price.

In the 68th minute, a brilliant solo effort by Saleng brought the hosts level.

Receiving the ball just outside the box, he cut inside on his left foot and curled a sensational strike into the top corner—unstoppable, unmissable, and utterly electrifying.

The equalizer lifted the entire stadium, and momentum swung in favor of the home team.

Pirates pushed for a second goal, eager to take a lead into the second leg in Cairo.

However, Pyramids FC showed their experience, managing the game well in the final 20 minutes.

Their backline, marshaled by Ali Gabr and Ahmed Fathi, absorbed wave after wave of pressure, while El Shenawy continued to pull off remarkable saves.

In the dying minutes, both teams had chances to steal the win.

A long-range effort from El Karti forced a diving save from Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, while at the other end, Pule nearly scored from a free kick that curled agonizingly wide of the post.

The game ended 1-1, a fair result that sets up a tantalizing second leg in Egypt.

This first leg was not just a football match—it was a statement of intent from both sides.

Orlando Pirates proved they could go toe-to-toe with one of the most disciplined teams on the continent, while Pyramids FC demonstrated why they’re considered among the favorites to win the title.

The away goal gives the Egyptian side a slight edge heading into the second leg, but the tie is far from over.

The battle between two of Africa’s premier football clubs will continue, and if the first leg was any indication, fans can expect another thrilling contest in Cairo.

With a place in the CAF Champions League final at stake, neither side will hold back.

The return leg promises fireworks, and only one team will emerge with their dreams intact.

The stakes have never been higher, and the road to continental glory continues.