VAR to the Rescue as Pirates Hold Pyramids FC to a Goalless Draw at FNB Stadium
Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC played out a tense 0-0 stalemate at the FNB Stadium in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final clash, with the Buccaneers breathing a sigh of relief after VAR twice came to their rescue.
In front of a buzzing home crowd, Pirates started the match with intent but found themselves on the back foot as Pyramids FC threatened to steal an away advantage. The Egyptian side thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for a marginal offside, a decision met with roars of approval from the Soweto faithful.
Despite periods of pressure from the hosts, who looked sharp on the counter, it was Pyramids FC who dominated the clear-cut chances. Neither goalkeeper was heavily involved, with both sides managing just a single shot on target. Pyramids FC from 8 attempts and Orlando Pirates from 10, as they struggled to convert possession into real threats.
The drama reached its peak in the dying moments of the match when Pyramids once again had the ball in the back of the net. It looked like a heartbreaking end for Pirates but once more, VAR stepped in, spotting a foul in the build-up and disallowing the goal to the disbelief of the Egyptian bench.
“I think it was a really good game, well played from both sides, with two different approaches,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro post-match. “So, it’s 0-0 and everything is open for the second leg, and anticipating, for sure, a really good game the next Friday.”
The result sets up a thrilling second leg in Egypt on Friday, 25 April 2025, at 20:00, with both sides still in with a strong chance of booking a spot in the CAF Champions League final. Pirates will need a scoring draw or an outright win to progress.
The winner of this clash will go on to face the victor between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, whose semi-final showdown is scheduled for earlier that evening at 18:00, also in Egypt.