South African teams Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were unable to make the most of home advantage in the first-leg matches for their respective CAF Champions League semifinals on Saturday.
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In the afternoon match, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played out a cagey 0-0 draw.
The Brazilians may have extended their unbeaten run against the Red Eagles to eight matches, but the visitors will feel more satisfied with the result, having ensured that the tie is all square heading back to the Egyptian capital for the decisive leg next weekend.
If you have plans for next weekend - cancel them 🎬🍿#SSDiski | #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/yu2OtZKHX4
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 19, 2025
Sundowns, though, can take comfort from the thought that only they can now benefit from the away goals rule, and that a South African side has already found themselves in the same situation against Egyptian opposition in CAF club competition this season (Stellenbosch FC against Zamalek in the previous round of the Confederation Cup) and still emerged triumphant.
And the above applies to Orlando Pirates as well, as their match against Pyramids FC at the FNB Stadium in the early evening also concluded with a blank score line.
With a balanced first half, who will find the back of the net in the second? 👊#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/yQNUR3HQrS
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 19, 2025
Yet the Buccaneers were lucky not to suffer a home defeat, as the Egyptian visitors twice hit the back of the net but had the goals scratched off after VAR reviews.
45 more minutes ahead, who's breaking the deadlock? 👀#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/ipoNEFXMQH
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 19, 2025
Pyramids also offered a more coherent and potent attacking threat through the 90 minutes despite seeing less of the ball, meaning Pirates will need to make significant improvements if they are to find a way into the final.
The return leg matches will both be held in Cairo next Friday, 25 April, with Al Ahly hosting Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cairo International Stadium, followed by Pyramids FC welcoming Orlando Pirates to the 30 June Stadium.
CAF Champions League results, Saturday 19 April
Semifinal, first-leg
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Al Ahly
Orlando Pirates 0-0 Pyramids FC