Jose Riveiro: Orlando Pirates proved continental pedigree vs Al Ahly

The win earned Pirates top spot in Group C, with a club record 14 points and unbeaten in their six group matches. 

There have been instances in the past where teams would top their group but struggle to advance in the knockout phase, but Riveiro feels they showed their capabilities against a respected opponent away from home.

"Coming into a scenario like in Cairo, against an unbeaten team [at home] and club like Al Ahly, it's probably the most difficult fixture that you can play on the continent," said Riveiro.

"And for us, it was a challenge and test to see how good we are as a team and how well we can compete in scenario like this because, like I said, I think we had one player with previous experience in the Champions League.

"For all of us, it's like a new experience to explore together, and we want to prove to ourselves that we are capable of competing in difficult situations like this against Ahly in Cairo."

Ahly, who also already qualified for the quarter-finals prior to facing Pirates, rested several key players, but the Bucs mentor insists this counted for little, given coach Marcel Koller’s star-studded squad.

"I think, when we speak about big clubs like Al Ahly – or Orlando Pirates as well, to think about who is not available to play or is not on the field is a lack of respect for the players who are part of the game because they are all good," he defended.

"In both squads, I think myself and the Ahly coach, we have the luxury to utilise a good amount of quality players, so actually, to be honest, I think Ahly played almost everything they have in their arsenal."

READ: Riveiro: Pirates will be active in transfer window