Orlando Pirates Edge MC Alger to Reach CAF Champions League Semi-Finals
Orlando Pirates have booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after securing a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory over MC Alger.
Match Recap
Jose Riveiro’s side made two changes to the starting lineup from their previous match against Polokwane City, with Deon Hotto and Tapelo Xoki coming in for Patrick Maswanganyi and Paseka Mako.
Hotto nearly made an immediate impact with a powerful long-range strike that went just over the crossbar in the early stages of the game. The Buccaneers looked sharp, using the pace of Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng to unsettle the Algerian defense.
The first half was a tense affair, with few clear chances as both teams engaged in physical battles in midfield.
Second Half Drama
MC Alger almost equalized two minutes after the restart when Ayoub Abdellaoui’s header skimmed the top of the crossbar after Pirates momentarily switched off at the back.
Despite moments of pressure from the hosts, Pirates remained composed, maintaining their defensive shape while looking for opportunities on the counter.
In the latter stages of the match, Riveiro made a double substitution, bringing on Maswanganyi for Nkota and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo for Thalente Mbatha, who had to be withdrawn due to injury.
MC Alger pushed forward in the dying minutes in search of a late equalizer, but the Pirates’ backline, marshaled by Sipho Chaine, stood firm to see out the victory.
Tensions ran high as the Algerians grew desperate, but the Soweto giants held their nerve to book a semi-final showdown with Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Confirmed Line-Ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Xoki, Mbokazi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Nkota, Mofokeng, Makgopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Mako, Shandu, Rasebotja, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi, Radiopane, Mabasa
MC Alger: Moussaouni, Khelif, Draoui, Ghezala, Abdellaoui, Benkhemassa, Halamia, Naidji, Bangoura, Bouras, Tabti
Subs: Belkir, Hamidi, Menezla, Zunon, Zougrana, Boussaid, Messoussa, Merzougui, Bayazid
With a spot in the final now within reach, Pirates will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their semi-final battle against Pyramids FC.
