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International Soccer

NEWS: Orlando Pirates gunning for top spot against Al Ahly

With both Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly having already secured their places in the knockout rounds of the competition, their upcoming clash holds significant weight in determining group supremacy.

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates celebrates 2nd goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium.
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

With both Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly having already secured their places in the knockout rounds of the competition, their upcoming clash holds significant weight in determining group supremacy.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

The Buccaneers currently top the standings with 11 points, just one ahead of Al Ahly. A draw would suffice for Pirates to finish as group winners, but a win would solidify their dominance.

The previous encounter between the sides ended in a goalless stalemate, highlighting the closely matched nature of the contest. However, both teams are coming into this game with momentum.

Pirates recently edged CR Belouizdad 2-1, while Al Ahly secured a 2-0 victory over El Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League, where they lead the standings. Meanwhile, Pirates sit second in the Betway Premiership.

Bucs striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has expressed confidence in taking all three points this time, signaling an aggressive approach from Pirates.

He said in the Citizen: “Yes, Al Ahly is a big team. But we are also a big team, and we want to finish first just as much as they want to finish first. The final game of the group will be a tough one, but we are up and ready for it.”

Mabasa added: “We’ve worked long and hard during preseason and now we’re reaping the rewards. This is also a build-up from last season because we were eliminated early but that motivated us to want it more this season

“Hopefully, we can continue to work hard and go all the way in this tournament. We are looking forward to going to the semifinals and we will take it from there. Hopefully, we can get that second star but we are taking one game as it comes.”

Al Ahly are, meanwhile, reportedly struggling with injuries, with star man Omar Kamal said to be sidelined with a knock.

Also missing for the Red Devils are Yahia Attiyat Allah, Karim Nedved, KArim Fouad, Reda Slim and Taher Mohamed.

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