By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates missed out on a place in the final of the CAF Champions League after a 3-2 defeat to Pyramids FC in the semi-final second-leg on Friday evening.
The last time Pirates were in a CAF Champions League final in 2013, the second leg was in Cairo and they went into it on level terms with their rivals, Al Ahly. On that occasion, the Buccaneers lost 2-0.
Relebohile Mofokeng broke the deadlock four minutes before the break after a volley inside the 18-yard box.
Pirates thought they would go into the break with a lead until striker Fiston Mayele decided otherwise. Mayele found the back of the net for the home side on the stroke of half-time.
In the second half, Mohau Nkota launched a long-range shot which beat Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
The home side brought in former Stoke City striker Ramadan Sobhi, who quickly made an impact. The 28-year-old scored an equaliser for the Egyptian side with literally his first touch.
Moments later Mayele netted their third goal with five minutes to go to reach their first-ever final in Africa’s elite club competition, where they will face South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.