South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have both secured spots in the CAF Champions League semifinals, where they will face Egyptian giant Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, respectively — setting up the possibility of an all-South African or all-Egyptian final.
Orlando Pirates booked their place after a 0-0 draw with MC Alger in Johannesburg, progressing 1-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg win. Mamelodi Sundowns also advanced 1-0 on aggregate, with Peter Shalulile’s goal in the first leg against Espérance Sportive de Tunis proving decisive.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC held off AS FAR Rabat 4-3 on aggregate, despite a 2-0 second-leg loss, and now prepare for a massive clash against Pirates — their biggest continental test yet. Record 10-time champions Al Ahly eased past Al Hilal 2-0 on aggregate, powered by Imam Ashour’s goals in both legs, to set up a high-stakes rematch with Sundowns.
The semifinals will take place on April 18–19, with the return legs set for April 25–26.
Another South African club in Caf Confed. Semis
In the CAF Confederation Cup, South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC have booked their place in the semifinals, where they will take on Tanzania’s Simba SC.
Stellenbosch caused a major upset on Wednesday evening, defeating defending champions Zamalek SC 1-0 in Cairo. After holding the Egyptian giants to a goalless draw in Cape Town, the tournament debutants pulled off a stunning away win in front of a hostile crowd to advance.
With Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates also in the Champions League semifinals, South Africa now has a chance to claim both of CAF’s top club competitions.
In the other Confederation Cup semifinal, Algeria’s CS Constantine will face Morocco’s RS Berkane.
The first-leg matches are scheduled for April 27, 2025, with the return legs set for May 17, 2025.
