High-stakes encounters await in Group C as Pirates host Ahly, Stade d’Abidjan face Belouizdad
This weekend’s action in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League promises to be electric as Orlando Pirates face Al Ahly and Stade d’Abidjan host CR Belouizdad.
With all four teams chasing points, the group is set for a decisive shake-up.
Pirates vs. Al Ahly: A clash of titans
Orlando Pirates welcome Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Orlando Stadium on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Both teams enter the match level on three points after impressive opening-game victories.
Pirates secured a gritty 2-1 win over Belouizdad, with Mohau Nkota netting both goals, while Al Ahly dominated Stade d’Abidjan 4-2, led by a Kahraba brace.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasized the magnitude of the clash: “We are going to be tested at a very high level and will face the week with good attitude and motivation, with the intention to offer a good performance on Saturday here against Al Ahly.”
Al Ahly boasts an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak in away games across all competitions, a testament to their formidable form.
In their last six matches, the Egyptian side scored 14 goals and conceded only five, with seven of those goals coming in the first half.
Pirates, however, have been equally dominant at home, winning all TotalEnergies CAF Champions League qualifiers on their turf this season and scoring seven first-half goals in their last six outings.
The match also revives a historic rivalry, with Pirates having edged past Al Ahly 4-3 in their last meeting in October 2015.
Stade d’Abidjan vs. Belouizdad: A Battle for Redemption
At the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Stade d’Abidjan and CR Belouizdad will look to bounce back after opening-day defeats.
The hosts fell 4-2 to Al Ahly despite goals from Kassoum Koné and Roger Assalé, while Belouizdad suffered a 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, with Khanyisa Mayo providing their lone strike.
Stade d’Abidjan have been unbeaten in home qualifiers, showcasing resilience despite conceding heavily.
Belouizdad, on the other hand, has shown mixed form on the road but remains a potent attacking force, scoring eight goals in their last six matches.
Both teams are level on zero points, making this fixture critical for their survival in the competition.
With the likes of Mayo, Koné, and Assalé leading the charge, this game could go down to the wire.
Group C matches:
Saturday 07/12/2024: Orlando Pirates v Al Ahly (1300 GMT)
Saturday 07/12/2024: Stade d'Abidjan v Belouizdad (1600 GMT)