In a thrilling encounter at the Stade du Juillet 1962 in Algiers, Orlando Pirates edged out MC Alger 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals on April 1, 2025. The Buccaneers, under the guidance of coach José Riveiro, are aiming to replicate the success of the iconic ‘Class of 95’ team that last lifted the prestigious trophy, and this hard-fought victory puts them one step closer to that dream.
Riveiro, speaking ahead of the match, emphasized the importance of the Champions League in the club’s history. “I think the Champions League is an important part of the history of the club,” he said. “It’s something that makes all the Buccaneers very proud of their team. We are the first team in South African history to have a star in our jersey.” The coach’s words resonated with the fans, who have long awaited another shot at continental glory.
The match kicked off with intensity, as both teams sought to establish dominance early on. Orlando Pirates, unchanged from their previous match against Mamelodi Sundowns, relied on the solid performance of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who made a crucial save to deny MC Alger’s Emmanuel Junior Zunon. The home side pressed hard, with Zakaria Naidoo coming close with a header that struck the side-netting.
Despite the initial pressure from the Algerians, the Pirates began to find their rhythm towards the end of the first half. Relebohile Mofokeng had a chance to put the Buccaneers ahead but fired wide from a promising position. MC Alger, sitting atop the Algerian Ligue 1 table, continued to threaten, yet struggled to break through the resolute Pirates defense.
As the second half unfolded, MC Alger ramped up their offensive efforts, with Mohamed Bangoura nearly finding the back of the net. However, it was the tactical changes made by Riveiro that proved decisive. The introduction of Mohau Nkota for Kabelo Dlamini sparked life into the Pirates’ attack. Nkota made an immediate impact, linking up well with Mofokeng before slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give the Pirates a crucial lead.
With the score at 1-0, MC Alger pushed for an equalizer, but the Pirates’ defense held firm. Chaine was called into action multiple times, showcasing his skills and ensuring that the away side maintained their advantage. The final whistle blew with the Pirates celebrating a vital away win, leaving them in a strong position ahead of the return leg.
This match marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in any form of continental football, adding an extra layer of excitement to the encounter. MC Alger, known for their formidable defense, had previously only conceded twice in the current Champions League campaign, making the Pirates’ goal even more significant.
MC Alger, led by head coach Khaled Ben Yahia, had been in impressive form prior to the match, sitting comfortably at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 with 41 points from 20 games. They had lost only once in the league since November 2024, making this matchup a daunting task for the Pirates. However, the Buccaneers were undeterred and showcased their resilience and determination.
As the teams prepare for the return leg, scheduled for next week, the Pirates will look to build on this momentum and secure their place in the semifinals. Riveiro’s men have a rich history in the Champions League, and with this victory, they have taken a significant step towards adding another chapter to that legacy.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while also capitalizing on the attacking prowess that was evident in the second half. The Pirates’ fans, who traveled thousands of miles to support their team, will hope for another strong performance as they aim to make their mark in this year’s tournament.
In the meantime, MC Alger will need to regroup and reassess their strategy for the upcoming clash. With their home advantage and a passionate fan base, they will be determined to overturn the deficit and keep their own hopes of continental success alive.
As the CAF Champions League progresses into its critical stages, every match becomes increasingly vital. The stakes are high, and both teams understand the importance of this competition in their respective histories. For Orlando Pirates, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy once again is alive and well, and they will carry this narrow victory into the next leg with confidence.
