Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC played to a goalless draw in the 1st leg of the CAF Champions League at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Pirates were lucky not to suffer a home defeat, as the Egyptian visitors twice hit the back of the net but had the goals scratched off after VAR reviews.
Pyramids also offered a more coherent and potent attacking threat through the 90 minutes despite seeing less of the ball, meaning Pirates will need to make significant improvements if they are to find a way into the final.
The return leg matches will both be held in Cairo next Friday, 25 April, with Al Ahly hosting Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cairo International Stadium, followed by Pyramids FC welcoming Orlando Pirates to the 30 June Stadium.
CAF Champions League results, Saturday 19 April
Semifinal, first-leg
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Al Ahly
Orlando Pirates 0-0 Pyramids FC.
Meanwhile the African Football Confederation (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc (RAM) have sealed a historic strategic partnership that grants Morocco’s national airline the status of “Official Global Partner” for upcoming major African football competitions.
The agreement was signed Saturday morning in Casablanca, in the presence of Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaâ.
This partnership encompasses several prestigious tournaments, including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco (AFCON) 2025 (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) and CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco (WAFCON) 2024 (July 5-26, 2025).
The agreement also covers CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, CAF Champions League 2024/2025 Finals, CAF Confederation Cup 2024/2025 Finals, and the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025.
“We are excited about the partnership between CAF and Royal Air Maroc, a world-class airline that will provide comfort and fly National Teams participating in the CAF competitions,” CAF president Patrice Motsepe said.