Bucs handed tough ACL draw

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 27, Pirates coach Roger Da Sa speaks to his players during the Orlando Pirates media open day at Rand Stadium on March 27, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 27, Pirates coach Roger Da Sa speaks to his players during the Orlando Pirates media open day at Rand Stadium on March 27, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images

Published May 14, 2013

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Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates were grouped with Egypt’s Al Ahly and Zamalek and AC Leopards of Congo in a tough African Champions League group stage draw held in Cairo on Tuesday.

Pirates, who beat TP Mazembe to get into the group stage of the competition, have an uphill battle ahead especially when they face the two Egyptian giants. Al Ahly are the defending champions.

Speaking to kickoff.com an undaunted Pirates captain, Lucky Lekgwathi, said: “We are ready for this. We knew it wouldn't be an easy draw as all the eight teams in the Group Stages are good sides. We know how tough it is playing in Egypt and we have been to the DRC and we know what to expect.

“We are ready for the challenge awaiting us as we want to conquer Africa and make South Africa proud,” Lekgwathi told the website.

DRAW

Group A: Al-Ahly (EGY, holders), AC Leopards (CGO), Orlando Pirates (RSA), Zamalek (EGY)

Group B: Esperance (TUN), Coton Sport (CMR), Recreativo Libolo (ANG), Sewe San Pedro (CIV)

*Each club plays its three opponents at home and away between between July 19 and Sept 22

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