All Article Properties:
{
"access_control": false,
"status": "publish",
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "2690884",
"signature": "Article:2690884",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-24-sundowns-and-pirates-must-overcome-mythical-cairo-to-fulfil-dream-south-africa-final/",
"shorturl": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2690884",
"slug": "sundowns-and-pirates-must-overcome-mythical-cairo-to-fulfil-dream-south-africa-final",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 0,
"preview_limit": null,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"title": "Sundowns and Pirates must overcome mythical Cairo to fulfil dream South Africa final",
"firstPublished": "2025-04-24 15:11:57",
"lastUpdate": "2025-04-24 15:12:08",
"categories": [
{
"id": "29",
"name": "South Africa",
"signature": "Category:29",
"slug": "south-africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/south-africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": false
},
{
"id": "30",
"name": "Sport",
"signature": "Category:30",
"slug": "sport",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/sport/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": false
}
],
"content_length": 4728,
"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a point of reference for African soccer, the Egyptian city of Cairo boasts a rich history. It is the headquarters of the Confederation for African Football (Caf). It is also home to two of the most successful clubs in the history of the African Champions League — bitter foes Al Ahly and Zamalek — which have 17 titles between them. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Zamalek have regressed in recent decades, their city rivals are still the gold standard of African soccer. Currently in the semifinals, where South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns stand in their way, Al Ahly are aiming for a sixth successive Champions League final and a three-peat of continental triumphs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Red Devils were crowned African champions for a record-extending 12th time last season. In their semifinal fixture against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, they found themselves in exactly the same situation they face against Sundowns after the first leg of the 2024/25 semifinals. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A year ago, they drew 0-0 with Mazembe in Lubumbashi, as they did with Sundowns in Pretoria a week ago. However, Sundowns will be out to avoid the fate that befell Mazembe as they were bludgeoned 3-0 by the Red Devils in the Cairo-hosted second leg.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Raucous crowd</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key to that success was the raucous sea of red-clad supporters that had flocked to the Cairo International Stadium. Their cheers for the record African champions, and jeers for the opposition, were crucial in what ended up being an emphatic semifinal victory. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North African countries have some of the most passionate and extreme soccer fans in the world. Al Ahly’s army of red is right up there in this regard. They will be in full voice (with disruptive lasers out to play as well) for the second leg of their clash with Sundowns on Friday, 25 April. The tickets that were made available for the 75,000-seater Cairo Stadium-hosted contest sold out. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2690497\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2154616768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1770\" height=\"1129\" /> <em>Al-Ahly fans at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2690487 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387589.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1139\" height=\"1541\" /> <em>Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and Mohanad Mostafa Ahmed Abdelmonem of Pyramids clash at FNB Stadium on 19 April 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Daniel Hlongwane / Gallo Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they have only been crowned African champions once before, Sundowns are perennial participants in the Champions League. So whatever cauldron-like Cairo throws them, they should be able to handle as they bid for a first final appearance since 2016 in Africa. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn’t lose to them (in the first leg). There is a lot to be played for still and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch,” said Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We are going there expecting a different match. Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa. One will suffer in the end, but I hope we can be strong enough to cope,” the Portuguese tactician stated.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Respite for Pirates </b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pirates are also in Cairo, where they are set to take on Pyramids. The Buccaneers have some respite compared to Masandawana. Unlike their historically dominant compatriots, Pyramids are the newbies of African soccer. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This season marks just their second Champions League outing, and they are in the semis for the first time in their history. In fact, Pyramids were only formed in 2008, operating as Al Assiouty. A decade later they became Pyramids under new ownership. They have steadily established themselves as a force in the Egyptian Premier League, and now Africa. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2690495\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2154650977.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1824\" height=\"1136\" /> <em>Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their infancy in comparison to the other teams in the last four of the Champions League, the atmosphere at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo when Pyramids take on Pirates will not be as raucous as that between the Red Devils and Sundowns. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, the Sea Robbers will have to be at their ruthless best in order to vanquish the Egyptians on their home soil and reach their first Champions League final since 2013. That year Pirates were beaten by Al Ahly. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“This 0-0 scoreline (from the first leg) is a tricky result for both teams. So, we can anticipate a really interesting second leg, and trust me, we will do everything to make it possible to go to the final,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both Pirates and Sundowns will draw inspiration from the fact they head into Friday’s second legs without any deficit. Yet, they will know that not many come out unscathed when they travel to mythical Cairo. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n<h4><b>Champions League semifinal fixtures</b></h4>\r\n<h4><b>Friday, 25 April:</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns (6pm)</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyramids vs Orlando Pirates (8pm)</span>",
"teaser": "Sundowns and Pirates must overcome mythical Cairo to fulfil dream South Africa final",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "19802",
"name": "Yanga Sibembe",
"image": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sibembe.jpg",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/author/yanga-sibembe/",
"editorialName": "yanga-sibembe",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "6178",
"name": "Sports",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sports/",
"slug": "sports",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Sports",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "11523",
"name": "Cairo",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/cairo/",
"slug": "cairo",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Cairo",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "15707",
"name": "Orlando Pirates",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/orlando-pirates/",
"slug": "orlando-pirates",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Orlando Pirates",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "49120",
"name": "sport",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sport/",
"slug": "sport",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "sport",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "53021",
"name": "soccer",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/soccer/",
"slug": "soccer",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "soccer",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "240814",
"name": "Mamelodi Sundowns",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/mamelodi-sundowns/",
"slug": "mamelodi-sundowns",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Mamelodi Sundowns",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "347885",
"name": "Yanga Sibembe",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/yanga-sibembe/",
"slug": "yanga-sibembe",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Yanga Sibembe",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "383005",
"name": "José Riveiro",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/jose-riveiro/",
"slug": "jose-riveiro",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "José Riveiro",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "427972",
"name": "Miguel Cardoso",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/miguel-cardoso/",
"slug": "miguel-cardoso",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Miguel Cardoso",
"translations": null
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "34683",
"name": "Al-Ahly fans in the stadium prior to the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Final between Al Ahly and Esperance Sportive Tunis at Cairo International Stadium on May 25, 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a point of reference for African soccer, the Egyptian city of Cairo boasts a rich history. It is the headquarters of the Confederation for African Football (Caf). It is also home to two of the most successful clubs in the history of the African Champions League — bitter foes Al Ahly and Zamalek — which have 17 titles between them. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Zamalek have regressed in recent decades, their city rivals are still the gold standard of African soccer. Currently in the semifinals, where South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns stand in their way, Al Ahly are aiming for a sixth successive Champions League final and a three-peat of continental triumphs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Red Devils were crowned African champions for a record-extending 12th time last season. In their semifinal fixture against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, they found themselves in exactly the same situation they face against Sundowns after the first leg of the 2024/25 semifinals. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A year ago, they drew 0-0 with Mazembe in Lubumbashi, as they did with Sundowns in Pretoria a week ago. However, Sundowns will be out to avoid the fate that befell Mazembe as they were bludgeoned 3-0 by the Red Devils in the Cairo-hosted second leg.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Raucous crowd</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key to that success was the raucous sea of red-clad supporters that had flocked to the Cairo International Stadium. Their cheers for the record African champions, and jeers for the opposition, were crucial in what ended up being an emphatic semifinal victory. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North African countries have some of the most passionate and extreme soccer fans in the world. Al Ahly’s army of red is right up there in this regard. They will be in full voice (with disruptive lasers out to play as well) for the second leg of their clash with Sundowns on Friday, 25 April. The tickets that were made available for the 75,000-seater Cairo Stadium-hosted contest sold out. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2690497\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1770\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2690497\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2154616768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1770\" height=\"1129\" /> <em>Al-Ahly fans at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2690487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1139\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2690487 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387589.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1139\" height=\"1541\" /> <em>Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and Mohanad Mostafa Ahmed Abdelmonem of Pyramids clash at FNB Stadium on 19 April 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Daniel Hlongwane / Gallo Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they have only been crowned African champions once before, Sundowns are perennial participants in the Champions League. So whatever cauldron-like Cairo throws them, they should be able to handle as they bid for a first final appearance since 2016 in Africa. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn’t lose to them (in the first leg). There is a lot to be played for still and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch,” said Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We are going there expecting a different match. Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa. One will suffer in the end, but I hope we can be strong enough to cope,” the Portuguese tactician stated.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Respite for Pirates </b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pirates are also in Cairo, where they are set to take on Pyramids. The Buccaneers have some respite compared to Masandawana. Unlike their historically dominant compatriots, Pyramids are the newbies of African soccer. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This season marks just their second Champions League outing, and they are in the semis for the first time in their history. In fact, Pyramids were only formed in 2008, operating as Al Assiouty. A decade later they became Pyramids under new ownership. They have steadily established themselves as a force in the Egyptian Premier League, and now Africa. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2690495\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1824\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2690495\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2154650977.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1824\" height=\"1136\" /> <em>Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their infancy in comparison to the other teams in the last four of the Champions League, the atmosphere at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo when Pyramids take on Pirates will not be as raucous as that between the Red Devils and Sundowns. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, the Sea Robbers will have to be at their ruthless best in order to vanquish the Egyptians on their home soil and reach their first Champions League final since 2013. That year Pirates were beaten by Al Ahly. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“This 0-0 scoreline (from the first leg) is a tricky result for both teams. So, we can anticipate a really interesting second leg, and trust me, we will do everything to make it possible to go to the final,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both Pirates and Sundowns will draw inspiration from the fact they head into Friday’s second legs without any deficit. Yet, they will know that not many come out unscathed when they travel to mythical Cairo. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n<h4><b>Champions League semifinal fixtures</b></h4>\r\n<h4><b>Friday, 25 April:</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns (6pm)</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyramids vs Orlando Pirates (8pm)</span>",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/elB2irMkGT1bcLhjiDTuFUr40q0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/-GWIr6XdVVrU1OpRloail-4I5h4=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/MPkPi4hM4lr4dClTYD3A64UlPsI=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/flMbgijXHUQhlzPp7ZEFBelalvM=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/DqxrCHgGp6ptNO8gz9_YXDP5mXY=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/elB2irMkGT1bcLhjiDTuFUr40q0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"url_medium": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/-GWIr6XdVVrU1OpRloail-4I5h4=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"url_large": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/MPkPi4hM4lr4dClTYD3A64UlPsI=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"url_xl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/flMbgijXHUQhlzPp7ZEFBelalvM=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"url_xxl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/DqxrCHgGp6ptNO8gz9_YXDP5mXY=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TL_2387344.jpg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will have to endure hostile and passionate crowds in Cairo in order to make it to the Champions League final after 0-0 stalemates on home soil. ",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": null,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "Sundowns and Pirates must overcome mythical Cairo to fulfil dream South Africa final",
"search_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a point of reference for African soccer, the Egyptian city of Cairo boasts a rich history. It is the headquarters of the Confederation for African Football (Caf). It",
"social_title": "Sundowns and Pirates must overcome mythical Cairo to fulfil dream South Africa final",
"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a point of reference for African soccer, the Egyptian city of Cairo boasts a rich history. It is the headquarters of the Confederation for African Football (Caf). It",
"social_image": ""
},
"cached": true,
"access_allowed": true
} 
Al-Ahly fans at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)
Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and Mohanad Mostafa Ahmed Abdelmonem of Pyramids clash at FNB Stadium on 19 April 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Daniel Hlongwane / Gallo Images)
Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. (Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)