Orlando Pirates‘ Caf Champions League journey resumes this weekend with a tricky fixture against the defending champions Al Ahly at the Orlando Stadium.
The Soweto giants are hoping to get a positive outing that will help them in their quest to finish within the top two positions in Group C to make the quarter-finals.
However, they will not find it easy against the quality Red Devils team that is aiming at going all the way once again.
Pirates vs Al Ahly: Form Guide & Head-to-Head Record
The Buccaneers suffered their first Premier Soccer League loss last weekend against Stellenbosch at the Orlando Stadium. They will be aiming at bouncing back when they host the Egyptian champions.
In their initial Group C game, the Sea Robbers claimed a vital 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad in North Africa.
Al Ahly have been inconsistent in the Premier League; they have one win from their last three outings and two draws. However, they defeated Stade d'Abidjan 4-2 in their opening Group game at home.
In the head-to-head record, Orlando Pirates have three wins, two draws and a loss in the last six meetings with Al Ahly.
Pirates vs Al Ahly: What they said
Coach Riveiro is happy to have had enough time to prepare for the game, “In this period, it’s a luxury to have four days, plus recovery, we have five days, to prepare for the game as good as possible, obviously if we look now at the next game, it’s going to be something else.
“We are going to be tested in a very high level and we will face the week with good attitude, and motivation, with the intention to offer a good performance on Saturday here against Al Ahly. “Having those days with the possibility to rest, I think it’s giving an extra [chance] to make sure that there are no excuses, that on Saturday we can be at the level the competition requires and the [questions] opponent will ask,” the Spaniard concluded.
Bucs legend Teboho Moloi warned his team against underrating Al Ahly's Percy Tau, “For me, Percy Tau is one of our best players whether we like it or not. He may be going through a difficult time, but we all know what he can do,” the 56-year-old told Far Post.
“You cannot rule out Percy Tau with the roots of Mamelodi Sundowns and that rivalry. When he plays, he will say, ‘I’m playing against Pirates, and I should bring my A-game’”.
Pirates vs Al Ahly: Team News & Starting XI
Orlando Pirates have not reported any new injuries ahead of the game. The only absentees from the team that played the last two assignments is the injured duo Zakhele Lepasa and Olisa Ndah.
Despite his not-so-good relationship with his manager Marcel Kohler, Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau is in the squad to play Bucs.
Pirates probable XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Monyane, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Mbatha, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Makgopa
Al Ahly probable XI: El Shenawy, Rabia, Ibrahim, Allah, Farrah, Kafsha, El Shahat, Tawfik, Attia, Kahraba, Tau
Pirates vs Al Ahly: Time & Where to Watch
The match will be live on SuperSport TV and SABC Sport. It will kick off at 15.00 hours, South African time.
