Heartbreak for Orlando Pirates as Pyramids FC Seal Late CAF Champions League Triumph

Orlando Pirates Heartbroken After Late Collapse Against Pyramids FC in CAF Champions League Semifinal

Africa 26 April 2025 at 13:45

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Heartbreak for Orlando Pirates as Pyramids FC Seal Late CAF Champions League Triumph

Orlando Pirates suffered devastating 3 - 2 defeat to Pyramids FC at the 30 Jun Stadium on Friday night, crashing out of the CAF champions league semifinals in the cruelest fashion.

After goalless draw in Johannesburg, the Buccaneers twice led through Relebohile Mofokeng & Mohau Nkota but Pyramids responded quickly on both occasions before Fiston Mayele netted late winner in the 84 minute.

Pirates Start Bright but Fall Short

Mofokeng opened the scoring for Pirates in the 41 minute, capitalizing on defensive scramble.
Moments later, Mayele equalized for Pyramids just before halftime.
Early in the 2nd half, Nkota produced stunning strike to restore Pirates lead, only for Ramadan Sobhi to level again 5 minutes later.

Despite battling bravely, the Soweto giants couldn't survive late onslaught. Sipho Chaine made series of heroic saves but failed clearance allowed Mayele to strike the killer blow and send Pyramids to their first ever Champions League final.

Orlando Pirates might have been knocked out of the CAFCL but these two young lads showed that we have talent in South Africa. 👏

🇿🇦 Mohau Nkota (6 G/A) 🫡
🇿🇦 Relebohile Mofokeng (7 G/A) 🫡 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Sw5JpZDaK8
— Sinethemba Makonco (@Makonco_M) April 25, 2025

Reactions: Joy for Pyramids, Pride for Pirates

Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic praised his players:

"My team reached the final because they deserve it. I hope 35000 fans fill the stadium we're playing in the name of Egypt"

Meanwhile a proud but emotional Pirates boss Jose Riveiro hailed his young squad:

"Today we're sad but the future is bright. Our young players gained valuable experience. Losing after leading twice feels cruel but we've built something strong"

Four Pyramids FC stars were part of the Zamalek side that lost to Sundowns in the 2016 final

Will they finally get their revenge after 9 years? 🇪🇬🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/nWnV9TnGnv
— KingFut.com (@King_Fut) April 26, 2025

What's Next?

Pyramids'll face Mamelodi Sundowns in all African powerhouse clash in the CAF champions league final.
Pirates will regroup, carrying youthful core with newfound continental experience into next season.

One step away from history, Orlando Pirates can leave egypt with their heads held high knowing the best may still be yet to come.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.