By Kgatliso Ramose

Cairo-The pyramid of Egypt were too high for Orlando Pirates to climb for the second time around as they bite the dust in their quest to a second star.

Orlando Pirates lost 3-1 in aggregate against the defending champion of Confederation of Africa Football Champions league Al Ahly in Arab Contractor Stadium in Cairo last night.

Orlando Pirates’ fairytale began on 15 February. After qualifying for champions league, Orlando Pirates were in Group A, a group that were regarded as ‘group of death’. They were up against the 7 times winner and defending champions Al Ahly,5 times winner Zamalek and AC Leopard. 

Their heroic performance saw them claiming 7 vital points from 2 best teams in Africa,Zamalek and Al Ahly and a point from AC Leopard which saw them finishing in second position with 8 points. Top of the log was Al Ahly with 11 points while Zamalek and AC Leopard ended up locking horns with 4 points each.

The two legged Semi final saw Orlando Pirates facing off 2 times champion Esperance. First leg was played at home and ended in a goalless draw. 

Pirates progressed to the final with away goal rule advantage after playing one all.

After progressing to the final,everyone believed that Orlando Pirates will walk on the footprint of the class of 95 which won the competition as the scenario was almost the same.

Messages of support poured from all over the country including the Office of the President, Minister of Sports and Recreation Mr Fikile “Rasmatazz” Mbalula,the newly elected SAFA president DR Danny Jordan and South Africans all over the country.

The two legged final saw Orlando Pirates hosting Al Ahly at home playing one all draw and conceded a goal which put them in a smoke. They went to Cairo knowing that they have a pyramid to climb. 

It was so close yet so far for Orlando Pirates which missed a clear cut chances on the second leg of the champion.

Al Ahly were crowned champions for the record 8 times after beating Pirates 2-0,winning in 3-1 aggregate.-TDN

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