Orlando Pirates will proceed their quest for continental glory after they go up in opposition to MC Alger within the CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg on the 5 July 1962 Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Pirates booked their spot within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time since 2013 by topping Group C forward of Al Ahly. The Sea Robbers have been unbeaten with 4 wins and two attracts within the group phases.
As for his or her opponents, MC Alger, they completed second in Group A only a level beneath Al Hilal. The Algerian facet solely misplaced one group match, drawing three and profitable two of their marketing campaign to date.
WHAT WAS SAID
With the Buccaneers having a convincing marketing campaign within the group phases of the CAF Champions League, coach Jose Riveiro has urged warning relating to declaring the crew as favourites to win the event.
This took place after they confirmed starvation and drive in opposition to present champions Al Ahly.
“I’m proud of the extent of the gamers, as there was an excessive amount of competitiveness from each Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly,” he stated.
“I discussed earlier than in regards to the significance of the Al Ahly match. I believe it’s nonetheless too early to evaluate the event champion.
“We succeeded in acquiring 14 factors and didn’t lose; we handed a troublesome stage within the group stage. We nonetheless have a harder stage within the quarterfinals, so it’s troublesome to evaluate the title holder.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Larbi Tabti, MC Alger – Alger obtained a lift forward of the quarterfinal first leg because the midfielder returned to full coaching. The 31-year-old may probably add depth to the Algerian league leaders’ crew as they aim a victory with their house floor benefit on this conflict.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates – The younger winger is coming off the again of a formidable exhibiting within the World Cup qualifiers in Bafana Bafana colors, the place he grabbed a objective on his full debut and can be anticipated to prove within the match in opposition to the Algerians away from house.
