Though the odds will be stacked against them, Orlando Pirates and coach Jose Riveiro are optimistic they can overcome Pyramids in their second leg semi-final in the Caf Champions League on Friday.

Pirates failed to take advantage in the first leg at home at FNB Stadium over the weekend, as the match ended goalless.

Pirates had more possession with 57% of the ball, and though they had 10 shots at goal, only one was on target.

It will take a somewhat more inspired performance if they are to be victorious in Cairo in the return fixture in a couple of days.

Unbeaten record in continental competition

“There's nothing to say to these guys [his players], they're doing an incredible job, they're competing at the same level as the best teams on the continent ... whoever you decide are the best teams on the continent, we're at that level right now when it's time to compete,” said Riveiro.

The coach also pointed to his side’s strong record in the competition, as an indication they could come away with a positive result.

“We're still unbeaten in a maximum competition on the continent, that says enough about the way our team is competing this season,” Riveiro said.

As for the game over the weekend, which would have been frustrating for Pirates at home, Riveiro rued the fact that his charges couldn’t find the breakthrough.

“It was not a 0-0 game ... it's a game that should have finished with goals. Now everything is open for the second leg and I am anticipating a very good game on Friday,” Riveiro said after the first leg.

“We're going to Egypt to try to get the result that we need, because of the rules of the competition and the possible double value of the goals [you score away].

“This 0-0 [scoreline from the first leg] is a tricky result for both teams, so we can anticipate a really interesting second leg and trust me, we will do everything to make it possible to go to the final.”

@Michael_Sherman

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