Bafana Bafana winger Relebohile Mofokeng has expressed his excitement and pride following Orlando Pirates’ remarkable 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League at the Cairo International Stadium this past Saturday. The South African international was instrumental in the win, scoring the opening goal for the Soweto giants in what was a historic match for both the club and the player.
The victory over Al Ahly, the defending champions of the competition, was a major achievement for Orlando Pirates. The win not only secured them a deserved 2-1 triumph on the night but also ensured they finished top of Group C in the CAF Champions League, ahead of the Egyptian giants, who ended the group stage in second place. With both teams now advancing to the knockout stages, Pirates have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the competition.
Mofokeng’s goal came in the 53rd minute of the match, following a defensive lapse by Al Ahly. The winger was quick to capitalize on the opportunity, seizing on a mistake in the Red Devils’ defense to fire the ball into the back of the net and give Pirates a crucial 1-0 lead. His goal set the tone for a dominant second half by the Buccaneers, who would later double their lead through substitute Gilberto.
The win has been widely celebrated not only by Pirates fans but also by the broader South African football community. Mofokeng’s performance, in particular, has garnered praise from fans and pundits alike, with many taking to social media to share their admiration for the Bafana Bafana star and his contribution to what was a stunning result in Cairo. Mofokeng has become one of the standout performers for Pirates this season, and his goal against Al Ahly further solidified his importance to the team.
The victory over Al Ahly also secured Pirates a seeding for the upcoming knockout draw. As a result, the team is set to avoid facing some of the other top-ranked clubs in the next round, including African powerhouses like Al Ahly. However, a potential quarter-final clash with South African rivals Mamelodi Sundowns is now a possibility, with both clubs emerging as strong contenders for the title. A matchup between the two Premier Soccer League giants would be a thrilling encounter, adding further drama and intensity to the competition.
For Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro and his players, this victory represents a significant milestone in their CAF Champions League campaign. Finishing top of their group in such a competitive and prestigious tournament is no small feat, and it highlights the progress the club has made under Riveiro’s leadership. The win over Al Ahly also adds to the growing belief within the Pirates camp that they are capable of going all the way in this year’s competition.
The result in Cairo is also an important moment for South African football as a whole. It underscores the strength of South African clubs on the continental stage, with Pirates now positioned as one of the top teams in Africa. With players like Mofokeng continuing to shine on the big stage, the future of South African football looks bright, and Pirates are certainly one of the teams to watch in the latter stages of the CAF Champions League.
As the team moves forward into the knockout stages, they will carry with them the momentum from this historic victory. With Mofokeng in top form and the entire squad showing their resilience and quality, Orlando Pirates are ready to face any challenge that comes their way as they aim to make a deep run in the competition and potentially add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet.
