+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns, Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates, Marcel Koller of Al Ahly & Krunoslav Jurčić of Pyramids 16-9GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

South Africa vs Egypt: Caf Champions League semi-finals set up a battle for African club supremacy

This Saturday, 19 April 2025, the African football gods have cooked up a spectacle worthy of a movie script.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, two of South Africa’s finest, face Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Pyramids, respectively, in the Caf Champions League semi-finals. 

As if that wasn’t enough drama, the South African and Egyptian national teams are set to collide in Group B of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. This weekend’s continental club clashes offer a preview of what could come when the nations themselves lock horns later this year. 

Here at GOAL, we build up to the ultimate North vs South African football showdown - so buckle up, it’s about to get real.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp 🟢📱

  • CAF Champions League DrawGettyImage

    Tale of two countries

    Saturday’s double-header feels bigger than just club football. With South Africa and Egypt both fielding two teams in the Caf Champions League semi-finals, this marks the first time in the competition’s modern era that two nations dominate the final four. 

    While Al Ahly and Pyramids FC bring the firepower of Egyptian football heritage and wealth, Sundowns and Pirates are waving the South African flag high with ambition, strategy, and a hunger for continental glory.

    • Advertisement
  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Pirates vs Pyramids: David meets Goliath with a modern twist

    Orlando Pirates are back in the Caf Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2013. Under Jose Riveiro, they’ve become a well-drilled, defensively robust side, with a team mixed with youth and experience stepping up big time. 

    Pyramids FC, meanwhile, are the flashy new kids on the block but already shaking up African football thanks to serious investment. Their journey to the semi-finals, despite being newcomers at this stage, proves their threat is very real. Expect fireworks when these two contrasting styles collide at FNB Stadium, before heading to the 30 June Stadium for the second leg on 25 April.


  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Sundowns vs Al Ahly: The rivalry that never gets old

    When it comes to heavyweight clashes in African football, Sundowns vs Al Ahly is right up there. The Brazilians edged Esperance in the quarter-finals while Al Ahly brushed aside Al Hilal to continue their quest for a record-extending 13th title. 

    These two have a history. Sundowns famously humbled Ahly 5-0 in 2019, but the Egyptians got their revenge in recent editions. With coach Miguel Cardoso now at the helm, this two-legged affair promises intensity, precision, and passion.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Orlando Pirates FansBackpagepix

    What’s driving these four semi-finalists

    Pirates bring back the swagger of their 1995 title-winning team and the hunger of their loyal fans, “The Ghost”, who’ve waited too long to see their team shine again on this stage. Pyramids FC have money, experience and a point to prove. Al Ahly are the definition of consistency and dominance in Africa. 

    Sundowns, the tacticians and perennial local kings, want more than domestic dominance; they want the continent. The motivations differ, but the destination is the same: the Champions League final.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fansBackpagepix

    Club battles that echo into Afcon: Egypt vs South Africa Part I

    If these semi-finals feel intense, just wait for Afcon. South Africa and Egypt are drawn in Group B, which now feels more like Group Drama. 

    The psychological edge gained from these club battles could prove vital heading into the continental tournament. The narrative is clear: South Africa and Egypt are on a collision course, and it all kicks off this weekend.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Dive deeper

0