Pirates and Sundowns on the verge of history

THE CAF Champions League semi-finals remain delicately poised, with both ties offering everything but goals in tightly contested first legs.

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As Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates prepare for crucial away fixtures in Egypt, the door to the final remains wide open for both South African giants.

Sundowns will be aiming to book a place in their second-ever Champions League final when they take on defending champions Al Ahly at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates face a stern test against Pyramids FC at the 30 June Stadium, with their clash scheduled for 8pm (SA time).

Here, Obakeng Meletse explores five key talking points ahead of these eagerly anticipated semi-final encounters.

Backs against the wall but the away goal rule might come to the rescue.

Both South African sides would have hoped to be more assertive in the first legs, but after surviving nervy moments—including VAR interventions that ruled out goals initially awarded on the field—they now head to Egypt bracing for an attacking onslaught from their opponents.