Orlando Pirates took a crucial step towards the CAF Champions League semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over MC Alger at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers showed resilience and tactical discipline to claim a valuable away win in the first leg of their quarter-final encounter.
Mohau Nkota Strikes to Secure the Win
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when substitute Mohau Nkota made an instant impact off the bench. The youngster latched onto a precise pass from Relebohile Mofokeng and finished clinically with his left foot from inside the box. His goal was the result of a swift counter-attack and ultimately proved to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested match.
MC Alger Dominate but Fail to Convert
The hosts controlled much of the first half, applying early pressure and creating several scoring chances. Guinean forward Mohamed Bangoura and Zakaria Naidji were particularly active, testing Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with powerful shots. However, Chaine was in inspired form, producing a series of crucial saves to keep the Algerians at bay.
Despite their attacking dominance, MC Alger struggled to break down Pirates’ well-structured defence. The South African side remained patient, absorbing waves of pressure before striking on the counter.
Pirates’ Defence Stands Firm
Following Nkota’s goal, MC Alger intensified their efforts to find an equaliser. Captain Ayoub Abdellaoui appeared to have levelled the score shortly after, but his goal was disallowed due to interference with Chaine. The North African outfit continued to push forward, with Soufiane Bayazid and Tayeb Meziani going close in the dying minutes.
However, the Buccaneers’ backline, marshalled by Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki, stood strong. With Chaine continuing to frustrate the opposition, Pirates managed to see out the match and secure a vital first-leg advantage.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With this victory, Orlando Pirates extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 11 matches and handed MC Alger a rare home defeat. The Algerian side now faces a difficult task in the return leg in Soweto, where the Buccaneers will look to seal their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2013.
The decisive second leg will be played next week at Orlando Stadium, where Pirates will aim to finish the job and continue their quest for continental glory.
Related article: Mamelodi Sundowns Crush Esperance 1-0 in Hard-Fought CAF Champions League Clash
