So let’s break it down starting off with Bucs’ potential opponents in the last four…
As it stands, Pirates are currently second in Group B behind Zamalek with both teams on 12 points and level on goal difference (+5). The Egyptians top the pool thanks to a better head-to-head record.
If the groups finish as they stand currently Pirates, as the runners up, will play the top team from Group A and at the moment, that team is Al Ahly, so Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola’s dream of a final with Al Ahly looks unlikely as the teams may meet in the semis.
Al Ahly are currently on 10 points in Group A, which is the same number of points as second-placed Etoile Sahel after five matches, but Al Ahly top the group thanks to a better goal difference with both teams having already qualified for the semis.
Al Ahly will play Stade Malien in their last group match while the Tunisians, Etoile Sahel and Esperance, will meet in the last match. Stade Malien and Esperance have nothing to play for as they are already out of the running for the semis.
So all that is left in both groups is to battle for top spot.
According to the regulations of the competition, “The runners-up shall play the first leg match at home” in the semis.
Admittedly, both teams will have home ground advantage since the semis are played over two legs but it is generally considered an advantage starting away from home and ‘finishing’ the job at home. Well, the statistics back up that argument.
Over the last five years of this specific competition, seven teams out of 10 that played the first leg away from home have managed to finish the job at home and reach the final.
That means only three teams that played the first leg at home managed to also do well in the second leg and reached the final.
Having said that, it is all to play for in the last matches.