Orlando Pirates vs Al Ahly – Egyptian football giants and reigning African champions, Al Ahly, have confirmed their squad for their upcoming CAF Champions League clash against South Africa’s Orlando Pirates. The highly anticipated encounter will take place on Saturday at 15:00 at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Both teams have made strong starts to their campaigns, and this match promises to be a crucial one in Group C as they fight for supremacy in Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
Al Ahly’s Dominance in African Football
Al Ahly, widely regarded as one of the most successful football clubs in Africa, are the defending champions of the CAF Champions League. The Red Devils have a rich history in continental football, having won the competition a record 10 times. Their most recent victory came in 2023, where they triumphed in a thrilling final to lift the prestigious title once again, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in African football.
This year, Al Ahly enters the competition with high hopes of retaining their crown. Despite undergoing a few changes in their squad and management, they remain a formidable force. Their squad, which is a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, is built to compete not just domestically, but on the continental stage as well.
Orlando Pirates vs Al Ahly: Key Players to Watch
Al Ahly’s squad is filled with experienced players who have been crucial to their success both domestically and in international competitions. One player who will be closely watched is Percy Tau. Born in South Africa, Tau has had a significant impact since joining Al Ahly in 2022. The winger, who has represented his country at international level, will be returning to South Africa to face his former club, Orlando Pirates. His familiarity with the South African football scene and his ability to influence matches make him a key player for Al Ahly in this fixture.
Another standout player for the Egyptians is Mahmoud Kahraba. The winger was in excellent form in their previous CAF Champions League match, scoring a brace in the 4-2 victory over Stade d’Abidjan at Cairo International Stadium. Kahraba’s attacking prowess and ability to score in key moments will make him a constant threat to the Pirates’ defense.
Taher Mohamed, Hussein El Shahat, and Wessam Abou Ali are other crucial players who bring experience and creativity to the table. Each of these players has the ability to unlock opposition defenses with their flair and technical skill. Their ability to combine effectively with Al Ahly’s forwards will be pivotal in breaking down Orlando Pirates’ defensive lines and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Al Ahly Squad for the Soweto Clash
Al Ahly has named a strong squad for their trip to South Africa, including a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents. The full squad for the match against Orlando Pirates is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Mohamed El-Shenawy (Captain)
- Ali Lotfi
- Mostafa Shobeir
Defenders: 4. Mohamed Hany 5. Ali Maaloul 6. Yasser Ibrahim 7. Ayman Ashraf 8. Mahmoud Metwalli 9. Mohamed Abdelmonem 10. Ahmed Fathi 11. Omar Kamal
Midfielders: 12. Amr El Solia 13. Mohamed Magdy Afsha 14. Kahraba (Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim) 15. Mohamed Sherif 16. Hussein El Shahat 17. Taher Mohamed 18. Akram Tawfik 19. Wessam Abou Ali 20. Walid Soliman
Forwards: 21. Percy Tau 22. Aliou Dieng 23. Salah Mohsen 24. Ahmed Abdelkader
This squad reflects Al Ahly’s balanced approach, with experienced leaders like Mohamed El-Shenawy and Ali Maaloul, along with dynamic talents such as Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba. The Red Devils will be eager to leverage this depth and quality to overcome the challenge presented by Orlando Pirates.
Conclusion
The upcoming CAF Champions League fixture between Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates is set to be an exhilarating encounter. With Al Ahly bringing their strongest squad, including stars like Percy Tau, Mahmoud Kahraba, and Taher Mohamed, they will be looking to assert their dominance. However, Orlando Pirates will be no pushovers, and their strong start to the group stage makes them a dangerous opponent on home soil.
Related article: How Orlando Pirates Failed To Maintain its Winning Momentum
