Orlando Pirates triumphant over Al Ahly

Orlando Pirates achieved a historic victory when they took on and defeated at home the best African team of the 20th Century and current defending champions of the Orange CAF Champions League Al Ahly.

The Egyptian side took an unbeaten 23-match home record in the Champions’ League group stage since 2002 going into this match current defending champions of the Orange CAF Champions League Al Ahly. The Egyptian side took an unbeaten 23-match home record in the Champions’ League group stage since 2002 going into this match.

The two sides met in El Gouna Stadium in the city of Hurghada, Egypt. Kick-off @ 16h: 30. The match was played behind closed doors and without spectators however the match was televised to the South African public and indeed the world was not denied the opportunity to see the Buccaneers put in a heroic effort to take down yet another African giant in Africa’s premier club competition.

Pirates were ahead just after 11 minutes through Thandani Ntshumayelo’s left footed shot following a delightful pass from Collins Mbesuma. Andile Jali and Sifiso Myeni helped secure the resounding result in their group A clash by slotting in a penalty awarded to the Soweto Giants in the 74th minute and the final goal in the 76th minute respectively to give the visitors a 3-0 victory.

In what seems to be fast becoming a trend in the CL League Senzo Meyiwa also put in a man of the match like performance when he saved a penalty awarded to Al Ahly in the 36th minute as well as a pulling off a number of saves from the relentless attack of the Egyptian side who put in a brave effort which has seen them win the CAF Champions league seven times in the past.