Today, Saturday 19 April 2025, South Africa will host two semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, where teams from South Africa will face opponents from Egypt.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria. This is the first time these two teams have met in the knockout stages, with their match history showing a strong rivalry. In the past nine matches, each team has won three times and three draws have occurred.
Sundowns have shown dominance in the tournament this season, scoring 21 goals in five matches, an average of 4.2 goals per game, while conceding only four goals. On the other hand, Al Ahly have scored nine goals and conceded three in five matches, showing the strength of their defensive line.
However, Al Ahly are under great pressure due to recent disappointing results and criticism of their coach, Marcel Koller. Sundowns, despite a history of losing in the knockout stages, will be hoping to use home advantage to secure a crucial win ahead of next week's return leg in Cairo.
In the other semi-final, Orlando Pirates host Pyramids FC at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Pirates have had a great season, finishing the group stage unbeaten and winning three away matches in North Africa.
Their coach, Spanish national Jose Riveiro, has revamped the team since joining in 2022, leading them to five domestic titles and establishing them as a threat in African football.
