By Edet Ikotidem
By defeating Renaissance Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup final n Uyo, on Friday, Orlando Pirates would debunk the notion that they are easy prey for Moroccan opponents.
Last season, the Buccaneers were thrashed 5-1 on aggregate by Raja Casablanca in the second-tier African competition’s quarterfinals.
After forcing a 1-1 draw in South Africa, Raja raced to a four-goal lead at home before easing off the gas and avoiding more humiliation for the visitors.
Before halftime, the Moroccans were four goals up.
That was a major blemish on the Pirates’ otherwise illustrious African record.
We don’t underestimate Berkane, especially since they eliminated TP Mazembe (from the Democratic Republic of Congo) in the semi-finals with four goals.
Mazembe had a player sent off late in the second half, but when was the last time any African club scored four goals against Mazembe?
Pirates are now sixth in the DStv Premiership, which has already been won by Mamelodi Sundowns, and have already been eliminated from both domestic knockout events.
The Buccaneers have saved their best for the Confederation Cup, Africa’s version of the UEFA Europa League, especially in North Africa, where they have previously struggled
A 2-0 Group B win over JS Saoura in Algeria, as well as a 2-0 semi-final first-leg triumph over Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya, stood out.
After losing the 2015 final to Etoile Sahel of Tunisia, the Pirates have a chance to become the first South African winners of the Confederation Cup if they can recreate their form from those matches.
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Pirates won the African Cup of Champions Clubs 20 years ago, becoming the first South African club to do it (now the CAF Champions League).
Berkane, often known as the Orange Boys due to their origins in Morocco’s citrus-growing northeast, are not as well-known internationally as Pirates. However, they have a strong Confederation Cup record, having finished second to Zamalek in 2019 and then defeating Pyramids in the final the following year.
They had a more difficult road to the final than Pirates, topping a group that included former African champions ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast before knocking off Egypt’s Al Masry and Mazembe in knockout ties.
Since returning from injury during this African campaign, Ofori has helped to reinforce a defense that had been weak at times. Youssef el Fahli, who has five goals in the Confederation Cup, including a brace against Mazembe, could be the biggest threat to the Pirates.
El Fahli, like many of his teammates, is tall and strong, and Pirates center defenders, such as Nigerian Olisa Ndah, could have a difficult time dealing with Berkane’s aerial prowess.
