Tomorrow, 1/2 final “go” final of the Champions- Orlando Pirates VS Pyramids FC: When tradition meets ambition
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
The Orlando Pirates find the semi-finals of the most prestigious African Interclub competition for the first time since 2013, while the Egyptians of the Pyramids FC make their first appearance at this stage of the competition. A fascinating shock of football cultures in perspective.
The routes
Orlando Pirates : African champions 1995 are aimed at continental glory after a long absence in final phases. Their route to the semi-finals was built on resilience and tactical discipline, with the high point of a fierce 1-0 victory over the whole of the two matches against MC Algiers in the quarterfinals.
FC pyramids : Founded in 2008 (initially under the name of Al Assiouty Sport before being bought and renamed in 2018), it embodies the new hope of Egyptian football. After making a sensation in the Cup of the Totalnergies CAF Confederation in recent years, their arrival in the semi-finals of the Totalnergies Champions League marks the culmination of an ambitious project aimed at jostling the traditional hierarchy.
Tactical analyzes
Pirate approach : José Riveiro transformed the buccaneers into a defensively solid unit, with a formidable counterattack capacity. What distinguishes this team from pirates is its balance: Thapelo Xoki’s composure in defense, the spark of Patrick Maswanganyi in the midfield and the offensive threat of Makgopa.
Pyramid style : Conversely, Pyramids practices a high pressing, based on the possession of the ball, carried by technical fields of technical fields. Their overwhelming 4-1 victory against the Far de Rabat in the first leg of the quarterfinals demonstrated their ability to be explosive when they are given space.
This shock presages several fascinating individual duels which could determine the outcome of the match:
Evidence Makgopa will be measured in the experienced defense of Pyramids.
The battle in the midfield between Maswanganyi (Pirates) and Ramadan Sobhi (Pyramids) could be decisive.
For pirates, this is an opportunity to win back their place among the African elite after years of scarcity on the continental scene. For their supporters, the Ghosts, this renewal had long been expected.
The pyramids, for their part, hope to complete their meteoric ascent by reaching the final from their first participation in the Totalnergies Champions League. Newcomers, with important financial resources, they intend to shake up the established order.
The experience of pirates on hostile African terrains will be crucial for the return match to Cairo. Their recent form testifies to a formidable mental force: they have won their last three games outside in the CAF Champions League without taking a goal.
However, the pyramids should not be underestimated, despite their first participation in this stage.
Their financial support allowed them to build a team of experienced internationals who will not be impressed by the event.
