Orlando Pirates could not have re-introduced themselves in the CAF Champions League better than they did when they went and conquered group favourites CR Belouizdad in their backyard on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers beat the Algerian champions 2-1 in their opening Group C clash in front of a hostile crowd at the Stade du 5 Juillet.
In what was Pirates’ first Champions League appearance since the 2018/19 season, no flames and lasers formed against coach Jose Riveiro’s men could deter them as they produced a stellar performance, fighting from the first to the final whistle.
The victory was thanks to two well-taken goals from emerging starlet Mohau Nkota in his first taste of the Champions League.
It was déjà vu for Nkota, as he reproduced a recent performance in the Betway Premiership when his brace against AmaZulu in his first start for the Buccaneers was enough to bag them three points.
World-class goal
Again, it was fellow youngster and Bafana Bafana international Relebohile Mofokeng who set up Nkota for both his goals with decisive passes.
The second goal was something special and world-class. The young striker fired a thunderbolt from a long way out to complete a memorable brace.
Even though the home side eventually found a breakthrough via former Cape Town City talisman Khanyisa Mayo and applied pressure in the final 20 minutes, the Buccaneers did just enough to return home with maximum points.
The win places Pirates second in their group, level on three points with Percy Tau’s Al Ahly, who also won their opening match via a 4-2 victory over Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo.
Focus now on league clash
With games coming thick and fast, Pirates will next focus on the league. They will host a tough match against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
The Buccaneers are enjoying a 100% unbeaten run in the league and top the log standings with 21 points after seven games.
