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Player taking a corner kick.
Orlando Pirates have advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
This follows after they played to a goalless draw with Algerian team MC Alger at Orlando Stadium last night.
The Buccaneers beat the Algerians 1-0 in the first leg and will progress on aggregate and meet Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the semifinals.
Orlando Pirates were bidding to reach the Caf Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2013 when they went all the way to the final.
But it was the Algerians who started like a house on fire, but young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came to the rescue with a well-timed tackle.
A minute later, Pirates almost caught the visitors by surprise when Deon Hotto unleashed a scorcher, but his effort went narrowly wide.
MC Alger was controlling the match but this attack was dealt with by Pirates in-form goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
The Algerians went on the attack again looking for an elusive goal, but Nkosinathi Sibisi did well to clear the lines after a superb solo run.
The Buccaneers were on a rare counter-attack but Deano van Rooyen’s cross was too high for striker Evidence Makgopa.
The visitors were threatening as the half progressed, but Mohamed Bangoura’s attempt was saved by Chaine again.
Orlando Pirates dancing their way through the semis. ❤#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/x0WcuXcb7a
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 9, 2025
In the second half, the Algerians kept on piling the pressure but Mbokazi was again the rock in defence.
From a resultant corner kick, MC Alger almost scored but Pirates’ defence stood firm.
Pirates had an opportunity to score a goal and seal the tie, but Relebohile Mofokeng could not find Hotto in the box.
And the substitute Patrick Maswanganyi’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
The North Africans had another attempt at the death but Chaine was well positioned to deal with the danger.
But it was the Buccaneers who almost scored a goal to seal the tie, but Tshegofatso Mabasa was unlucky to hit the post.
The semifinal first leg matches will be played on the weekend of the 18th and the 19th of this month.
