Orlando Pirates VS Al Ahly Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Orlando Pirates VS Al Ahly Date: Saturday, December 7
BetXchange Orlando Pirates VS Al Ahly Odds:
History
Matchday 2 of the 2024-24 CAF Champions League Group Stage takes place this weekend, and it is Orlando Pirates’ first match at home in the group this year. The South Africa side faces off against a perennial contender to win the title as they welcome Al Ahly of Egypt to Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
This match sees the two winning teams in Group C from Matchday 1 put their 100% records on the line in a clash that will go a long way to deciding the group’s outcome. While the first and second-place teams move on to the quarterfinals, the team topping the group will likely get a more favorable draw.
Al Ahly is at the top of the pool log after beating Stae d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast 4-2 a couple of weeks ago. Mahmoud Kahraba scored twice as the hosts outclassed their visitors at Cairo International Stadium.
Orlando Pirates struck twice early in their impressive away win in Algeria, beating CR Belouizdad 2-1 at the Stade du 5 Julliet. Mohau Nkota scored in the 5th and 27th minutes to put the visitors 2-0 up. Khanyisa Mayo struck back midway through the second half for the hosts, but the South African side held on for a gusty victory that could be huge in the context of this group.
Orlando Pirates
Barcelona B target Relebohile Mofokeng is one of the most important players to watch for the Orlando Pirates in this match. Mefokeng has been splitting opinion with some of the showboating during his performances in the PSL this season, and he will need to show that he can do it on the biggest stage to have any chance of securing a significant move to the European leagues.
The Pirates hope to keep Mefokong until the end of the season while he puts in performances that lead them to victory on all fronts.
Al Ahly
There are many stars in the Al Ahly team, but Percy Tau’s return to South Africa will be the most watched storyline in this game. The exciting winger will face his former club in Johannesburg, and his knowledge of his opponents and their style of play is worth noting.
Tau will work on one wing while double-goalscorer Kahraba attacks from the other flank. This gives Al Ahly a pair of wingers that will have to be stopped if the Orlando Pirates are to win on home soil.
Best Bets
Al Ahly is the most successful club on the continent, and they will be looking to lift this trophy for the 11th time at the end of a punishing CAF Champions League campaign next May. They are also the defending champions, so Orlando Pirates have a serious task to win this, even at home.
I like both teams to score at odds of 24/25, with Al Ahly having bags of firepower. As for the winner, I would lean towards an away win, but if the Johannesburg crowd is out in force, then anything can happen.
