Riveiro’s anticipation for crucial second leg against MC Alger

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed his expectations for the CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against MC Alger.

The Buccaneers will be going to the return tie with a 1-0 aggregate score lead and a valuable away goal. Mohau Nkota’s second-half goal at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Tuesday brought Ezimnyama Ngenkani closer to a semifinal berth.

Riveiro hailed his team’s resilience, saying securing a win in the first leg was an ideal way to commence the quarterfinal stage. He further commended his troops for preventing the home side from scoring despite the intense atmosphere.

The Spanish tactician, Riveiro, said he expects an equally contested tie next week when the two sides collide again, battling for a spot in the last four.

RIVEIRO PROUD OF ‘RESILIENT’ PIRATES AGAINST MC ALGER

“Obviously, I think it’s a good way to start the quarterfinals, coming here to play against MC Alger in their own ground, in this atmosphere with everything clearly against us to get the result,” said Riveiro. 

“I’m so proud of the way the players applied themselves to really fight for this one. It wasn’t easy because the opponents are good, especially here at [their home venue]. They play at a decent speed.

“It’s a good way to start, obviously, it goes without saying. We scored a goal away from home, and that is something very, very important in this competition.

“But still, we have to play another 90 minutes in Orlando, and football is unpredictable. I think it’s going to be a very equal second game. Hopefully we can be better than them again in Johannesburg.”

The Sea Robbers will welcome MC Alger on Wednesday, 9 April at Orlando Stadium at 6 PM. However, before then, they will take on Polokwane City FC in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 5 April at the Old Peter Mokaba at 3 PM.

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