MC Alger vs Orlando Pirates – Orlando Pirates travel to Algeria to take on MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie. The Buccaneers aim to extend their unbeaten run in the competition and secure a strong result away from home.
MC Alger vs Orlando Pirates Match Details
Date: Tuesday, April 1
Time: 9:00 PM CAT
Venue: Stade du 5-Juillet-1962, Algeria
Broadcast: SuperSport
Match Preview
Having started their campaign in the first qualifying round, Pirates navigated past Madagascar’s Disciples FC and Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to reach the group stage. Under José Riveiro’s guidance, the Soweto giants topped Group C, finishing ahead of Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, and Stade d’Abidjan. Their group-stage highlight was a stunning 2-1 away win against Al Ahly after a goalless draw at home.
MC Alger, currently leading Algeria’s Ligue 1, had a challenging journey through Group A. They finished second behind Sudan’s Al Hilal but managed to edge out Tanzania’s Yanga SC and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe. Their form against Algerian opposition gives Orlando Pirates confidence, as they previously defeated CR Belouizdad both home and away.
Key Players to Watch
- Orlando Pirates: The in-form Relebohile Mofokeng is a key threat, having recently scored twice in a minute against Mamelodi Sundowns and netted his first international goal in South Africa’s win over Lesotho.
- MC Alger: Striker Soufiane Bayazid has been effective, scoring twice in the group stage and another goal in the qualifiers against Watanga. His ability to find the net will be crucial for the hosts.
Team News & Expected Line-ups
Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi is expected to return for Pirates after missing South Africa’s recent World Cup qualifiers due to an injury setback.
MC Alger Probable XI:
GK: Abdelatif Ramdane
LB: Kamel Hamidi | CB: Ayoub Abdellaoui | CB: Ayoub Ghezala | RB: Réda Halaïmia
CM: Larbi Tabti | CM: Mohamed Benkhemassa | CM: Akram Bouras
LW: Amine Messoussa | ST: Sofiane Bayazid | RW: Tayeb Meziani
Orlando Pirates Probable XI:
GK: Sipho Chaine
LWB: Deon Hotto | CB: Mbekezeli Mbokazi | CB: Nkosinathi Sibisi | CB: Tapelo Xoki | RWB: Deano van Rooyen
CM: Thalente Mbatha | CM: Makhehlene Makhaula
LW: Relebohile Mofokeng | ST: Tshegofatso Mabasa | RW: Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi
Match Statistics & Key Insights
- Orlando Pirates accumulated more points (14) than any other team in the CAF Champions League group stage.
- Relebohile Mofokeng was the joint-third highest scorer in the group stage with three goals.
- Mofokeng has scored three goals in his last three games for club and country.
- CAF still uses the away goals rule, making any result in Algeria crucial for the Buccaneers’ semi-final hopes.
Predictions and Betting Tips
| Bet Type | Prediction | Odds (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Draw | 2.90 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 2.10 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | No | 1.70 |
| First Goalscorer | Relebohile Mofokeng | 4.00 |
MC Alger vs Orlando Pirates Prediction: A cagey encounter is expected, with MC Alger looking to use home advantage while Orlando Pirates aim to get a crucial away goal. A 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, setting up a thrilling second leg in South Africa.
Related article: Orlando Pirates’ Trophy Magnet: Is Jose Riveiro Staying for Another Season?
