Al Ahly vs Orlando Pirates: Why we might be back in 2013

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Orlando Pirates are in familiar territory as they prepare to face Al Ahly away in their final group match of the CAF Champions League.

Both teams have already qualified for the competition’s knockout round but the top spot is up for grabs. The Sea Robbers lead the group by a point and just need to hold the Red Devils to a draw to end Group C on top.

Orlando Pirates to test their CL credentials against Al Ahly

Having gone unbeaten in the CAF Champions League, Pirates are amongst the competition’s favourites but their biggest test comes this weekend. On Saturday evening, they play Al Ahly at the hostile Cairo International Stadium looking to secure top spot in Group C.

This is not the first time the two teams faced each other in the final match of the CAF CL group stages. In 2013, Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly drew 0-0 in their final group stage match, which ensured both teams qualified for the semi-finals.

In the semis, the Buccaneers defeated Esperance by an away goal while the Red Devils edged out Coton Sport on penalties.

In the final’s first leg, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw after Thabo Matlaba’s late goal cancelled Mohamed Aboutrika’s memorable opener at the Orlando Stadium. In the second leg played at Cairo, Al Ahly won 2-0 at home to deny Orlando Pirates their second star.

This season appears to be similar to that of 2013. If both teams can avoid a midseason slump, we might get the 2013 CAF CL replay we deserve.

Which teams do you want to see in the CAF CL final?

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