South African football is on the brink of continental history as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates navigate separate paths in the CAF Champions League semi-final round.
The semi-final draw has kept Sundowns and Pirates apart and raises a prospect of an all-South African CAF Champions League final.
The prospect of these two local powerhouses clashing in the Champions League decider has sparked widespread excitement amongst local football fans. It is the dream Champions League final every South African is wishing for.
For one part of this dream final to materialise, Sundowns need to continue their winning form against formidable opponents Al Ahly.
The South African Premier Soccer League has all three clubs advancing to the semi finals of the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup from the group stage — Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch.
Meanwhile not a single Nigerian club made the group stage of… pic.twitter.com/vdqWdqNMLw
Known for their fierce rivalry, the last encounter between Sundowns and Al Ahly was in the inaugural 2023 African Football League, in which the South Africans triumphed 1-0 on aggregate before clinching the trophy.
As both teams eye the coveted final, the potential for a thrilling rematch between Sundowns and the Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly looms large.
Pirates must continue their relentless pursuit of glory in the semi-finals against Pyramids, Egypt's Premiership log-leaders, who are in fine form this season.
They are three points clear of Al Ahly, the 12-time Champions League winners. They were far and away the most prolific scorers in the quarter-final round, with four goals against the 13-time Moroccan Premiership champions AS Far.
When Pirates research their opponents they will find that they are the most prolific goalscorers in Egypt's Premiership. That will set up the Egyptians for a tough test against the Soweto giants, who have firmly established themselves as one of the toughest teams to overcome in this year’s tournament.
As Sundowns and Pirates gear up for semi-finals, the matches carry not only the weight of victory but the hopes of a nation longing for football glory on the continent.
In Mzansi, football epitomises a cultural heartbeat, and the excitement surrounding these semi-finals is palpable.
For this dream final to manifest, the South African champions Sundowns must harness their formidable spirit against their storied rivals Al Ahly, a club synonymous with African football success.
Pirates, on the other hand, can anticipate a stern test and prepare a strategy to exploit any vulnerabilities in their Egyptian counterparts.