“Orlando Pirates are the weakest team in the Caf Champions League semi-finals, MC Alger were robbed!” – Controversy sparks after the semi-final.
Tensions have erupted in the wake of Orlando Pirates’ qualification to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, following what many are calling a “highly controversial” two-legged affair against MC Alger.
Despite their advancement, the Sea Robbers have come under fire from critics and furious fans who believe the South African side didn’t deserve to progress—accusations that have sent shockwaves through the African football community.
Orlando Pirates secured their place in the semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg away in Algeria, followed by a disciplined but uneventful 0-0 draw in the return leg at Orlando Stadium.
The result meant Pirates advanced 1-0 on aggregate, but the reaction from fans, media, and even former players has been anything but celebratory.
After the final whistle in Johannesburg, chaos ensued. MC Alger players and staff were seen protesting fiercely, shouting at officials, and alleging blatant refereeing bias that favored the hosts. Their grievances included:
A disallowed goal in the 67th minute that replays suggest may have been onside
Multiple penalty shouts that were dismissed
Alleged time-wasting tactics by Orlando Pirates that went unpunished
Minimal stoppage time despite numerous interruptions
Supporters across North Africa quickly took to social media, claiming “MC Alger were robbed” and calling for an official investigation by CAF.
Adding fuel to the fire, football analysts and rival fans branded Orlando Pirates as the “weakest team” in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, suggesting their progression was more about luck and cautious defending than attacking brilliance.
One North African journalist went viral for saying:
“Let’s be honest—Orlando Pirates are the weakest team left in the competition. They were outplayed in both legs but somehow walked away with the win. MC Alger were the better side. This was theft in plain sight.”
The backlash has drawn attention not just to Pirates’ performance, but also to CAF’s officiating standards, which are under increasing scrutiny this tournament.
With a place secured in the final four, Orlando Pirates now turn their attention to their next opponent, widely expected to be a North African powerhouse, depending on the outcome of other quarter-final matches.
The semi-final stage is guaranteed to test the mettle of the South African giants, especially after the heavy criticism they’ve faced.
