Orlando made the most of their chances as they came away with a 1-0 victory over MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash at the 5 July 1962 Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Orlando Pirates are still unbeaten in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL 😏☠️
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 1, 2025
The two teams meet again at Orlando Stadium in a week's time ⏩#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/R3LnVuJJog
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MC Alger began the match by pressing high and hardly giving Orlando Pirates a chance to get comfortable on the ball.
Another challenge for Pirates was the lasers from the fans in the stands shining on the players' faces.
The away team was mostly kept in their own half for the majority of the first half.
An opportunity came for Zakaria Naidji in the 29th minute with a header towards the goal, however, his effort found the side netting.
Evidence Makgopa had a chance for the Buccaneers as he was put through on goal, but he was halted in the box and the referee waved play on.
The first period ended goalless with Alger holding most of the possession and having the more convincing opportunities.
With the pressure piling on even more in the second half for Pirates, they began to kick things into gear.
Jose Riveiro’s decision to bring on Mohau Nkota paid off, as the forward opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing with composure by placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net after an attacking move.
Mohau Nkota, the impact sub 😏🎯
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 1, 2025
The Sea Robbers snatch the opener in Algeria ⚽
📺 Stream #TotalEnergiesCAFCL on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/ixyOlwaoJn
By the 70th minute, the home team had 16 shots on goal compared to the Sea Robbers’ three, with the scoreline barely reflecting what was taking place in the match in Algeria.
Pirates held on to protect their lead until the end of the game, earning themselves a much-needed advantage with an away goal going into the second-leg which will be played in South Africa.
MC Alger 0
Orlando Pirates (0) 1 (Nkota 65’)
MC Alger: A. Ramdane, R. Halaimia, A. Ghezala, A. Abdellaoui, M. Khelif, M. Benkhemessa, K. Zunon, A. Bouras (M. Zougrana 79’), L. Tabti (T. Meziani 84’), Z. Naidji (A. Messoussa 69’), M. Bangoura
Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, M. Mbokazi, N. Sibisi, T. Xoki, D. Hotto, M. Makhaula, T. Mbatha (N. Ndlondlo 89’), D. van Rooyen (B. Shandu 77’), K. Dlamini (M. Nkota 60’), E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 89’), R. Mofokeng (G. Mosele 77’)
