CAF Champions League: Al Ahly eye a third straight title, Pyramids 90 minutes from the dream
CAF Champions League: the semi-final second legs are on Friday. Both ties are finely balanced after the first legs ended 0-0.
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Al Ahly v Mamelodi Sundowns was billed as a tight contest, and so it proved in the first leg, with the two sides unable to be separated (0-0) in South Africa, last Saturday. Even though the Sundowns had the ball all game (74% possession), they struggled to look dangerous, failing to hit the target with any of their 8 attempts. According to several observers, they missed their chance against the competition's heavyweights, Al Ahly.
The Egyptian club, who hold the record for wins in the CAF Champions League (12), appeared to be managing the game so they could make the difference at home in the second leg. With their experience and their unbroken dominance of the competition, with 4 titles in the last 5 editions, Al Ahly look well placed to go all the way again. What's more, the Egyptians can count on Emam Ashour. The attacking midfielder or forward has already scored 5 goals in the competition (joint top scorer with Pyramids FC's Ibrahim Adel).
A dream within reach
Pyramids FC also have a formidable marksman in Ibrahim Adel. He led his side to this stage of the competition for the first time and will again be relied upon to keep the dream alive. The club were only founded in 2008 and already have the chance to reach the final. First, though, they must get past Orlando Pirates.
The South Africans have already lifted the CAF Champions League, in 1995, and reached a final in 2013. They are also used to playing in knockout rounds. Experience could therefore be on their side as they look to reach the final.
Schedule (times GMT)
16:00: Al Ahly v Maleodi Sundowns
18:00: Pyramids FC v Orlando Pirates