CAF Champions League: Sundowns And Al Ahly Share The Spoils; Pirates And Pyramids Leave Tie On A Knife Edge
In a dramatic first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals, both Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, as well as Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC, played to goalless draws, leaving the ties finely balanced ahead of the second legs.
Sundowns and Al Ahly Share the Spoils in Pretoria
At Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw. The match, marked by tactical discipline from both sides, produced few clear chances but plenty of intrigue as each team aimed for an edge before the decisive second leg in Cairo.
Sundowns, hoping to leverage their home advantage, started strongly with early efforts from Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. However, they faced a resolute Al Ahly defense, expertly marshalled by Mostafa Al Aash and Yasser Ibrahim. The Egyptian side nearly took the lead just before half-time when Nejc Gradisar’s header struck the post, but Sundowns responded with attempts from Marcelo Allende and Peter Shalulile that failed to find the net.
Despite substitutions in the second half aimed at shifting momentum, neither team could break the deadlock. Goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Mohamed El Shenawy remained largely untested, resulting in a stalemate that sets up a crucial second leg for both clubs. Al Ahly will be confident heading home, where they are unbeaten in the CAF Champions League since 2021, while Sundowns seek to overcome their historical struggles in Cairo.
Pirates and Pyramids FC Draw in Soweto
In a parallel clash at FNB Stadium, Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC also ended their first leg in a goalless draw. The match was characterized by VAR drama, with both teams having potential goals ruled out. Fiston Mayele’s first-half strike for Pyramids and Sodiq Ougola’s late effort were disallowed due to handball infractions, adding to the tension.
Pirates started brightly, nearly taking the lead when Patrick Maswanganyi hit the post from distance. Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thalente Mbatha also came close, but a well-organized Pyramids defense held firm. The Egyptian side, making their first semi-final appearance, relied on counter-attacks led by Mostafa Fathi and Blati Touré but struggled to penetrate Pirates’ solid backline.
As substitutions were made to inject fresh attacking energy, neither team could find the breakthrough, leading to a tightly contested conclusion. The draw leaves everything to play for in the return leg in Cairo, where Pyramids FC will aim to capitalize on home advantage. However, with Pirates unbeaten in their last three away games this campaign, they will travel with confidence.
Both matches showcased the tactical intensity and high stakes of African club football, setting the stage for thrilling second legs next weekend.
