Felipe Ovono: 7
The Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper made a couple of good saves and was quick off his line when called upon to come out and rescue his defence.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza: 6
The right-back was rarely troubled in the first half, but didn’t start the second half in the same vein. His poor first touch in a dangerous position in the 47th minute allowed Ahly to pick up and attack, and had it not been for Ovono coming out, it could have resulted in an equaliser.
Thabo Matlaba: 6
He was fairly solid in defense throughout the match, but didn’t appear effective in the other half of the field as his decisions to go for goal hardly troubled the Ahly goakeeper.
Rooi Mahamutsa: 7
Showed great experience in terms of winning his challenges cleanly, and also leadership in covering for Nyauza at right-back on numerous occasions during the match.
Ayanda Gcaba: 6
A solid all-round performance from him, especially considering he made a rare start alongside Mahamutsa.
Lehlohonolo Masalesa: 7
Defended well for the better part of the match, and helped deal with Ahly’s long aerial balls through the midfield.
Sifiso Myeni: 7
Always looked to cause problems whenever in possession and perhaps could have done a lot better if he saw more of the ball. He played a major part in Pirates’ only goal after he slipped passed three defenders before laying it off for Erasmus.
Mpho Makola: 6
He was not really at his best considering the way he’s been playing of late. Makola struggled to link up in attack, and was often forced inside as Erasmus ran into his wide position on the left.
Thamsanqa Gabuza: 7
Great finish to put Pirates ahead in the 9th minute as he positioned himself well and showed great technique in beating the Ahly goalkpeer at his near-post from an acute angle, but didn’t see much of the ball especially in the second half.
Kermit Erasmus: 6
He put in an important assist for Gabuza’s goal. He started well, but appeared to fade as time went on.
Issa Sarr: 6
He came on to replace Ntshumayelo in the 65th minute and took a while to adapt to the frantic pace of the Ahly attack, but helped control Pirates’ tempo towards the end of the game.
Lehlohonolo Majoro: 6
Replaced Erasmus in the 70th minute, but had to focus on helping his team defend and rarely saw the ball in attack.