Matlaba Remembers 2013 CAFCL Final Strike Against Al Ahly

Former Buccaneers defender, Thabo Matlaba took a trip down memory to the last time Orlando Pirates faced Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League. 

Check it out!

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The story

It has been over a decade since Al Ahly, the current CAF Champions League (CAFCL) holders, faced Pirates in a memorable two-legged final.

In November 2013, Al Ahly claimed their 8th title, defeating the Roger de Sa-led Buccaneers, who agonizingly missed out on their second CAFCL crown since 1995's historic triumph.

The first leg in Orlando ended 1-1, with Mohamed Aboutrika's brilliant free kick cancelled out by Thabo Matlaba's long-range strike, while the second leg in Cairo saw Al Ahly secure a 2-0 victory, dashing the Pirates' continental title dreams. 

Matlaba, who currently plies his trade with Royal AM, looked back on the goal with SuperSport TV after his side's 2-2 draw with Kaizer Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

"I know I've got a powerful shot, both feet, left and right. So, I knew if I could try my luck and take a shot, maybe something will happen. And it did, it did happen and it was a beautiful goal, I was so emotional." reflects the veteran fullback.

Watch Matlaba reliving his goal against Al Ahly below:

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Before the two African giants clashed in 2013's final, the Buccaneers blew their Egyptian counterparts away during the group stages of the competition, winning 3-0.

Overall, the Sea Robbers have beaten Al Ahly on three occasions, including two wins in the semi-finals back in 2015, 4-3 and 2-1 away and home respectively. 

For Jose Riveiro's men, they'll be eager to get one over the reigning CAFCL champions in front of a sold out Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with hopes of building from their 2-1 win in their Group C opener at CR Belouizdad.

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