Pirates edge MC Alger in Algiers with Nkota’s decisive strike

Orlando Pirates snatched a vital 1-0 away win against MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday at the Stade du 5 Juillet, thanks to a Mohau Nkota strike.

This hard-fought victory gives the Buccaneers a significant advantage, including an away goal, as they will host Alger in the return tie on Wednesday, 9 April at 6 PM at the Orlando Stadium.

Jose Riveiro named an unchanged starting eleven from their previous match in the Betway Premiership against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Alger started brightly, with Mohamed Bangoura’s close-range header in the first minute setting the tone for their attacking intent.

While both teams contested midfield in the initial exchanges, Alger could reach the attacking third, leaving Pirates pinned in their own half.

Alger continued to press the issue, suffocating Pirates’ attempts to play out from the back and consistently threatening their goal.

A golden opportunity fell to Bangoura in the 24th minute, but Sipho Chaine produced a stunning save to keep the score level.

Alger continued to create chances, with Zakaria Naidji heading a free kick into the side netting five minutes later. Just before the break, Chaine once again came to Pirates’ rescue, making a crucial close-range save from Naidji.

MC ALGER’S MOMENTUM CONTINUED IN THE SECOND HALF 

The second half began with Alger maintaining their attacking impetus, generating more chances as they relentlessly pursued the opening goal.

Their pressure nearly paid off in the 52nd minute when Bangoura’s shot from close range was deflected by Nkosinathi Sibisi, resulting in a corner that Pirates’ defence dealt with effectively.

A defensive error from Deano van Rooyen in the 59th minute presented Naidji with a golden opportunity in the box, but his shot went wide.

Marwane Khelif nearly put his side ahead when he was released with a through pass and he unleashed a shot which was dealt well by Chaine.

In the 65th minute, the deadlock was finally broken as substitute Mohau Nkota found the back of the net, thanks to a well-placed assist from Mofokeng.

Interestingly, this wasn’t Mohau Nkota’s first successful trip to Algeria in the competition, as the young left-footed player also scored a brace against CR Belouizdad during the group stages in a 2-1 victory for Pirates.

Moments later, MC Alger thought they had equalised, but their goal was disallowed by the referee for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Despite numerous attacks into the final third in search of an equaliser, MC Alger were unable to break through, as Pirates held firm until the final whistle.

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