Orlando Pirates travel to Algeria to face MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal at the Stade du 5-Juillet-1962 this evening, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00.
The Buccaneers will be eager to build on their impressive campaign so far, while MC Alger aim to continue their domestic dominance on the continental stage.
Orlando Pirates entered the tournament at the first qualifying round, eliminating Madagascar’s Disciples FC and Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to reach the group stage.
In Group C, they made headlines by defeating Al Ahly 2-1 in Cairo after a goalless draw at home. They finished top of the group ahead of Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad, and Stade d’Abidjan.
A key player for the South African side has been Relebohile Mofokeng. The talented winger recently scored twice in a minute against Mamelodi Sundowns and netted his first international goal for South Africa against Lesotho.
MC Alger finished second in Group A behind Sudanese giants Al Hilal. The Algerian club, however, have been dominant in their domestic league, topping the table ahead of CR Belouizdad.
Striker Soufiane Bayazid has been instrumental, scoring twice in the group stage and also finding the net in the first qualifying round against Watanga.
Orlando Pirates will take confidence from their performances against Algerian opposition, having already beaten CR Belouizdad home and away in the group stage.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast on SABC 1, SABC Plus and SuperSport Channel 202 from 21:00.
Live commentary will be available on various SABC radio stations.
Betting odds
Alger are the favourites to win the first leg at home. But Pirates have proven to be good travellers in this tournament.
12/10 MC Alger | Draw 17/10 | Pirates 26/10
Recent form
MC Alger
15.03.25 – DIV – MC Alger 2-2 Khenchela
06.03.25 – DIV – Oran 0-2 MC Alger
28.02.25 – DIV – MC Alger 2-1 Constantine
23.02.25 – DIV – Paradou 1-3 MC Alger
16.02.25 – CUP – CR Belouizdad 1-0 MC Alger
Orlando Pirates
16.03.25 – PL – Orlando Pirates 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
11.03.25 – PL – Stellenbosch 0-0 Orlando Pirates
08.03.25 – NC – Supersport Utd 2 (3)- (2) 2 Orlando Pirates
05.03.25 – PL – Chippa Utd 0-1 Orlando Pirates
01.03.25 – PL – Marumo Gallants 2-0 Orlando Pirates
Players to watch
For the visitors, youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has been one of the best players in the Champions League with three goals. He is one goal behind the top goal-scorer Emam Ashour of Ahly.
The 20-year-old forward has also chipped in with a couple of assists and will remain a key player for the Sea Robbers in the mission.
The hosts will hope that defender Mohamed Réda Halaïmia continues his fine form. The 28-year-old right-back is the club’s leading scorer in Ligue 1 with five goals and has three assists across all competitions.