Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is counting on his team’s strong away form and their unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League as they prepare for their crucial trip to Egypt.

The Buccaneers boast an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak in this season’s Champions League, a record they will need to maintain when they travel north for the second leg of their semi-final clash against a formidable Pyramids side at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium on Friday.

Pirates endured significant pressure from Pyramids in the first leg semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday. It was a match where they were often on the back foot, but they managed to emerge unscathed without conceding a goal – a vital factor heading into the second leg.

While they were tested defensively on Saturday, their away form in this Champions League campaign has been stellar. They have secured victories against Al Ahly in Egypt, CR Belouizdad in Algeria, and MC Alger, also from Algeria.

However, Riveiro acknowledges that Pyramids pose a different level of threat compared to their previous opponents, and his team will need to produce a herculean effort to overcome them and secure a place in the final.

“I think we are still unbeaten in the continent, and that tells you a lot about the way our team is competing,” said Riveiro.

“We are unbeaten this season, not only in the Champions League, but if we are focused particularly on the Champions League, there is nothing else to say to these guys; they are doing an incredible job.

“They are competing at the same level as the best on the continent. Where do you decide who is the best? We are the best at that level right when it is time to compete.

“We will try again; we are going to Egypt, and after Sunday, we will be there on Friday and be ready to go again, try to get the result that we need, which are multiple because of the rules of the competition and the possible double value of away goals.

“This 0-0 result is tricky for both of us; it is not an easy one for us, and it is not an easy one for Pyramids. So, like I said, we can anticipate an interesting second leg, and trust me, we will do everything we can [to win the match]. If it’s not possible, we are going to the next one, and that is what we do.”

A scoring draw in the second leg would be enough for Orlando Pirates to reach the Champions League final, where they would face the winner of the other semi-final tie between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Their second leg is scheduled to take place at the Cairo International Stadium after the first leg also ended in a goalless draw at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.