The CAF Champions League, the crowning glory of club football in Africa, is poised for its most thrilling 2025 phase yet, with semi-final matches set to capture the imagination of fans in Egypt and the world at large on Friday.
The Cairo International Stadium and 30 June Stadium will host the semi-final first-leg encounters. Al Ahly SC are hosting arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cairo International Stadium in a 4pm clash – two hours later, at 6pm, Pyramids will play visiting Orlando Pirates the 30 June Stadium.
As the elite South African and North African clubs prepare to battle for a coveted spot in the finals, 3Sports spotlight the key facts and insights about 2024/25 CAF Champions League Semifinals.
1. Al Ahly Aiming for a Record-Extending 13th Title
Al Ahly, the Egyptian powerhouse, is gunning for its 13th CAF Champions League title, solidifying its position as the most successful club in the competition’s history. With 12 titles already under its belt, Al Ahly’s dominance in African football is undeniable. The team’s consistent performance and strong squad have made it a force to reckon with in the continent. In recent years, Al Ahly have shored up their position as the undisputed masters of African football. With nine titles in 18 years, the club have become the kings of continental tournaments. And even when their performance declines in some seasons, they go on to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, reaffirming that they are still the strongest.
2. Al Ahly’s Quest for a 5th Straight Final Appearance
If Al Ahly progresses to the final, it would mark the team’s fifth consecutive final appearance in the continent’s most prestigious club competition(2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24). This feat would demonstrate the team’s remarkable consistency and determination to succeed. Al Ahly’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is further amplified by their formidable record on home soil. They remain undefeated in the competition at the Cairo International Stadium since 2021, a testament to their strength and the intimidating atmosphere they cultivate. This impressive streak will undoubtedly embolden the Egyptian giants as they aim to secure their place in what would be a record-extending 15th Champions League final. Al Ahly’s experience and expertise would undoubtedly give them an edge in the competition.
3. Mamelodi Sundowns Seeking a Second Title
Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African giants, is looking to add a second CAF Champions League title to its collection, having last won the competition in 2016. Sundowns will be hoping to make their first final appearance at the second attempt since 2016, having previously failed to progress in their last semifinal appearance (2023/24). The South African outfit last appeared in the final in 2016, where they won the title under the leadership of coach Pitso Mosimane. Now, they’re seeking to replicate that success after a semifinal exit in the 2023/24 season. With a strong squad and effective leadership, Sundowns is determined to make a lasting impact in the tournament.
4. Sundowns’ Recent Semifinal Heartbreak
In the last two seasons, Mamelodi Sundowns has been knocked out at the semifinals. In the 2023/24 season, the South African outfit were knocked out of the semifinals after losing both leg against Tunisian side, Esperance Tunis. In the 2023/24 season, the South African team was eliminated from the semifinals after losing both legs against the Tunisian side, Esperance Tunis. In the 2022/23 season, the South African team failed to reach the final after suffering another home and away defeat, this time at the hands of Wydad, who beat Sundowns 2-0 in both the first and second legs. The team would be eager to learn from these experiences and make a deeper run in the competition this time around. With the right strategy and determination, Sundowns could potentially go all the way.
5. Pyramids FC’s Quest for History
Pyramids FC, an Egyptian club, is hoping to make history by reaching its first-ever CAF Champions League final. A successful campaign would not only bring pride to the team but also mark a significant milestone in its development. Pyramids FC would need to put in a strong performance to overcome more experienced Pirates sides.
6. Orlando Pirates Chasing a Final Appearance Since 2013
Orlando Pirates, a South African club, is chasing its first CAF Champions League final appearance since 2013. The team would be motivated to recapture its past glory and bring the title back to South Africa. Having previously won the competition in 1995 and finished as runners-up in 2013, the South African team would be looking to leverage their experience to advance to the final, seeking to replicate their 2013 feat of reaching the final despite losing the first leg at home. With the right mindset and strategy, Pirates could potentially cause an upset in the competition.
