Orlando Pirates will face a stern test in their CAF Champions League group stage opener against CR Belouizdad on Tuesday night in Algeria.
The South African giants are in fine form domestically, currently topping the Betway Premiership table with a perfect record of seven wins from seven matches. They have also impressed in the CAF Champions League qualifiers, comfortably defeating CNaPS Sport and Jwaneng Galaxy.
However, Pirates will be without key players Olisa Ndah, Zakhele Lepasa, and Goodman Mosele due to injury. Despite these challenges, Pirates have their eyes on maintaining momentum. “The team has shown great resilience, and this match will be another test of our character,” Riveiro commented before the trip.
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In contrast, CR Belouizdad’s journey to the group stages has been less convincing. The Algerian side narrowly edged past AS Douanes in a penalty shootout to qualify.
Domestically, their start has been inconsistent, with only two wins from eight league fixtures. However, back-to-back victories in recent matches have provided a glimmer of hope.
Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani acknowledged the tough task ahead, praising the South African side. “Orlando Pirates is a very strong and respectable team, currently leading their league and playing modern football,” he stated.
“It will be a very difficult match, but we hope to build on our recent victories and grow in confidence.”
The match promises an intriguing clash of styles as Belouizdad aim to contain one of the continent’s in-form teams.
The question remains whether the Algerians can rise to the occasion or if Pirates will continue their impressive march.