Orlando Stadium will host the second leg of the captivating TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday, as Algerian powerhouse and league leaders MC Alger clash with South African cup kings Orlando Pirates.
Parting Gift
Orlando Pirates’ quest for CAF Champions League glory took a significant step forward with a hard-fought 1-0 away win against MC Alger, courtesy of a 65th-minute goal from substitute Mohau Nkota.
This victory adds another layer of intrigue to Jose Riveiro’s final season at the helm. Having announced his departure after a trophy-laden three-year spell that yielded five domestic titles, the Spaniard now has the chance to leave an indelible mark on the continental stage.
Despite the positive result, Riveiro has cautioned against underestimating MC Alger ahead of the return leg at the Orlando Stadium. The coach’s focus remains firmly on securing progression, aiming to add a prestigious CAF Champions League title to his already impressive Pirates legacy.
With the league title and Nedbank Cup also within reach, the Champions League represents a compelling final frontier for Riveiro. Nkota’s goal in Algeria has provided a crucial advantage, but the job is far from done as the Buccaneers aim to make Riveiro’s potential farewell a truly golden one.
What they said
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro emphasized the team’s relentless pursuit of success.
“Nobody can question our commitment. We’re fighting in every competition and we’re determined to win, no matter what. We will continue pushing to reach the level we need in every game. The numbers don’t lie; we’re not stopping until the very end, until the last day if necessary,” said the Spaniard.
With everything still to play for, the Mighty Buccaneers are setting their sights on making history and capturing more than just a title – but a legacy.
MC Alger coach Khaled Ben Yahia has confidence his side can overcome Orlando Pirates and progress to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. He said in the Citizen: “Where there is life there is hope. “They (Pirates) are a big team, we will play, and the rest we will see after the game.
“Pirates are a very disciplined team, they are also opportunistic. For us as a continent it is very difficult to find this kind of discipline and level of focus and I was impressed.
“That is why I said Pirates are opportunistic. They used their opportunity and that was it.
“We had quality, we frustrated them physically and tactically. We lacked effectiveness, but I know we played well.”
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 18:00 on Wednesday, 09 April 2025 and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202 as well as SABC 3 and can also be streamed on Showmax and SABC plus.
Orlando Stadium
The 40 000 seater stadium will host the clash between Orlando Pirates and MC Alger. The Soweto based stadium is expected to be filled to the rafters, as is the case when Pirates take to the pitch. The stadium was refurbished to a state-of-the-art stadium ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was used as one of the training venues for the global spectacle.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
Orlando Pirates 9/10 | Draw 7/4 | MC Alger 36/10
A positive result would see Orlando Pirates advance due to the away goals rule, while MC Alger need a victory at the minimum to secure progression to the semi-final stage of the competition.
Whilst MC Alger have dominated the Algerian topflight this season, I can’t see them getting past this Orlando Pirates outfit.
Back Pirates and over 2.5 goals at 11/4!