Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha propelled Orlando Pirates into the CAF Champions League quarterfinals as they defeated CR Belouizdad 2-1 at Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In the first leg, the Soweto giants triumphed as well, winning 2-1 on the road. On that day, Mohau Nkota netted twice, while Khanyisa Mayo found the net for the Algerian team as a consolation.
Today, Mofokeng broke the deadlock in the 20th minute of the game, with Mbatha adding to the scoreline in the 61st minute to secure Pirates maximum points at home. However, Belouizdad pulled one in the stoppage time of the match.
Below are the talking points from this mouthwatering showpiece.
KHANYISA MAYO STARTS AGAINST ORLANDO PIRATES
Former Cape Town City FC and Bafana Bafana forward Mayo got a chance to play against Pirates in their Champions League encounter this afternoon.
However, his presence didn’t bother the Jose Riveiro-coached club as Pirates players kept him in their pockets. He failed to help his side bounce back in the game as the Buccaneers remained disciplined at the back.
ORLANDO PIRATES FACE ALGERIAN SIDE FOR THE NINTH TIME
This was the Sea Robbers’ ninth time facing an Algerian opposition, including today’s game. In those nine matches, Pirates succeeded in securing five victories, drawing three, and losing just one in the process.
ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS RULED OUT OF TODAY’S GAME
The ‘Happy People’ came into this contest without four key players due to different injuries. The four are Goodman Mosele, Zakhele Lepasa, Olisa Ndah, and Thabiso Monyane.
According to the club’s medical staff, Mosele has begun full training with the team but still requires one final assessment, while Lepasa is still in the rehabilitation phase.
Meanwhile, Ndah has received approval to commence field-based training, while Monyane is sidelined for four weeks due to a hamstring tear he sustained against Cape Town City FC.
PIRATES’ POSITION AS THEY BOOK CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL SPOT
Currently, Pirates lead Group C with 11 points, one point ahead of the Egyptian giant Al Ahly. Nonetheless, following Belouizdad’s defeat to Bucs, both Pirates and Al Ahly have advanced to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
Pirates will take on Al Ahly in their last group stage encounter away from home on the 18th of January.
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