Orlando Pirates secured a significant 1-0 away triumph over MC Alger in a captivating first-leg quarterfinal clash of the CAF Champions League on Tuesday at the Stade du 5 Juillet, with substitute Mohau Nkota once again proving to be the decisive force.
Coach Jose Riveiro demonstrated faith in his squad by naming the same starting eleven that defeated currently Betway Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
However, it was MC Alger who started brighter, signaling their intent early on when Mohamed Bangoura directed a close-range header towards goal within the opening minute.
Read: Pirates Attacker Still Missing as the Sowetans Snatch First-Leg CAF Advantage
The initial stages saw a fierce battle for supremacy in midfield. While Alger managed to penetrate the final third with greater frequency, Orlando Pirates found themselves largely confined to their own half, struggling to break free from the home side’s pressure.
Alger continued to dictate the tempo, with a clear-cut opportunity falling to Bangoura midway through the first half, but Pirates’ shot stopper, Sipho Chaine, produced a breathtaking save to maintain parity.
The Algerian side persisted in their attacking endeavors, with Zakaria Naidji heading a free kick into the side netting just five minutes later. As the halftime whistle approached, Chaine once again came to the rescue for the Buccaneers, denying Naidji from close range with another crucial stop.
The second half commenced with MC Alger showing no signs of relenting, maintaining their attacking impetus and creating further chances in their relentless pursuit of the opening goal.
A defensive lapse from Deano van Rooyen near the hour mark presented Naidji with another golden opportunity inside the box, but the Algerian forward failed to capitalize, firing his shot wide. Moments later, Marwane Khelif was released by a clever through pass and unleashed a shot that was expertly handled by the ever-alert Chaine.
Despite weathering a sustained period of pressure, Orlando Pirates remained disciplined and resolute in defense, patiently absorbing Alger’s attacks and looking for opportunities to counter.
Their perseverance paid off midway through the second half when substitute Mohau Nkota broke the deadlock with what ultimately proved to be the winning goal.
The Pirates academy graduate latched onto a well-placed assist from Mofokeng to slot the ball into the back of the net. Notably, at 20 years and 143 days old, Mohau Nkota has now become the youngest player in Orlando Pirates’ history to score three away goals in a single CAF Champions League campaign. This remarkable feat follows his brace against CR Belouizdad during the group stages, which secured a 2-1 victory for the Soweto giants.
Shortly after Nkota’s strike, MC Alger believed they had found an immediate equalizer, but their celebrations were cut short as the referee disallowed the goal for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Despite launching numerous attacks into the final third in search of an equalizer, MC Alger were unable to breach the Pirates’ defense, who held firm until the final whistle.
The Buccaneers’ disciplined defensive performance, highlighted by crucial interventions from Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki, ensured they would return to Johannesburg with a precious lead and a vital away goal.
This hard-fought victory provides Orlando Pirates with a significant advantage as they prepare to host MC Alger in the return leg on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6 PM at the Orlando Stadium.
Adding to their confidence, Orlando Pirates boast an impressive record against Algerian opposition, having lost just once in their previous 10 encounters (W6 D3 L1).
The return fixture will see the Buccaneers aiming to secure their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2013.