Egyptian representatives Al Ahly and Pyramids FC have been handed balanced draws in the CAF Champions League group stages.
The reigning African champions, Al Ahly, have been placed in Group C alongside Algerian club CR Belouizdad, South African side Orlando Pirates, and Ivorian team Stade d’Abidjan.
This marks the second year in a row that Al Ahly draw Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in group stages while it will feature their first clash with Orlando Pirates since the 2013 Champions League final, which the Reds won.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC find themselves in Group D, drawn against Tunisian giants Esperance Tunis, Angola’s Sagrada Esperança, and Malian club Djoliba.
Pyramids have never faced any of their group opponents before as they take part in their only third CAF Champions League campaign.
This draw sets up a potential clash between Al Ahly and Pyramids in the quarterfinals, should both teams advance from their respective groups.
Al Ahly had qualified for the group-stages after thrashing Kenya’s Gor Mahia 6-0 on aggregate, while Pyramids had a bit of a challenge as they beat Rwanda’s APR 4-2.
Elsewhere, five-time champions TP Mazembe will face Tanzania’s Young Africans, Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman, and Algerian side MC Alger in Group A.
Group B features South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns, alongside Moroccan clubs Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat, with Congolese outfit Maniema Union rounding out the group.
Al Ahly will be looking to defend the trophy they’ve won in the last two seasons, while Pyramids FC are aiming to reach the CAF Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
