Venue: Orlando Stadium (Johannesburg)
kickoff: 4 pm
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
In the second semi-finals on Easter Saturday, the impressive Orlando Pirates will lock horns against the new and emerging force in the Egyptian Premier League and African football, Pyramids.
The club is sitting comfortably on top of the Egyptian Premier League after a wonderful performance throughout the entire campaign.
The Cairo-based club has exceeded expectations this season after finishing bottom of their group in their debut in the group stage of the CAF Champions League last season.
Things are different now in their sophomore season, and they have punched above their weight against all odds to reach the semi-finals.
Croatian head coach Krunoslav Jurcic has found the right balance for the team and expects his side to continue their fine form in Johannesburg. With Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel in attack, Orlando Pirates must be wary of the threat Pyramids pose in attack.
Orlando Pirates remain the only unbeaten side in the competition, thus far. The Bucs under Jose Riveiro are a wonderful team, mentally.
The club has brushed aside all the North African opponents that have come their way this season. They have won all three trips to the fearful region and will draw massive inspiration from there, facing another one in the semi-finals.
Orlando Pirates’ defensive abilities are out of this continent, with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki forming an impregnable wall in front of the fantastic goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
With the experienced duo of Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa in attack supported by the talented 20-year-old playmaker, Relebohile Mafokeng, expect Pyramids to be attacked from all angles.
The first leg will determine how things will happen in Cairo.
Pyramid must avoid a heavy defeat in South Africa because their opponents are deadly when they are in the northern part of Africa.
Orlando Pirates are the favourites in the tie but Pyramids can stop the South Africans.
