Date: Friday, 25 April 2025Kick-off: 20:00 (SA Time)Venue: 30 June Stadium, Cairo
All or nothing for Pirates – Riveiro eyes fairytale finish
It’s a defining night in Cairo for Orlando Pirates as they gear up for a titanic CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC.
With head coach Jose Riveiro set to leave at the end of the season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Spaniard is hoping to cap off his Buccaneers tenure with continental silverware — and a win on Friday could move them one step closer to African glory.
The two teams played out a tense goalless draw in the first leg in Johannesburg. That result means any score draw in Cairo would send Pirates through on away goals. A clean sheet and a goal would be the dream scenario — but not an easy task against a Pyramids side unbeaten in their last six home games across all competitions.
Pirates unbeaten, but pressure’s on
Orlando Pirates have been near-flawless in this year’s tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout. The likes of Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Makhehleni Makhaula have built a defensive fortress, and they’ll need to be rock-solid once again under the Cairo lights.
Key man for Pyramids? Fiston Mayele.
The striker thought he’d given his side the edge in the first leg with a sharp finish, only for VAR to rule him offside. He remains the biggest threat to the Buccaneers’ backline.
Betting Odds (via Hollywoodbets)
- Pyramids: 17/20
- Draw: 17/10
- Orlando Pirates: 4/1
Despite the odds favouring the Egyptians, Pirates have proven they can grind out results on the road. Don’t be shocked if they spoil the Pyramids party.