Nkota strike earns Orlando Pirates crucial away win over MC Alger
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Orlando Pirates claimed a valuable 1-0 away victory over MC Alger in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final clash at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.
Mohau Nkota came off the bench to score the winner in the 65th minute, finishing left-footed from the centre of the box after being teed up by the lively Relebohile Mofokeng.
The goal capped a swift counter-attack and proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter in Algiers.
The hosts, MC Alger, dominated large spells of the first half and created the better chances, but were consistently denied by Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who produced a string of important saves — including efforts from Zakaria Naidji and Mohamed Bangoura.
Pirates, however, remained patient and organised in defence, absorbing pressure and capitalising on moments in transition.
Substitute Nkota made the most of one such opportunity, breaking the deadlock midway through the second half with what turned out to be the only goal of the match.
MC Alger pushed hard for an equaliser, with Soufiane Bayazid and Tayeb Meziani both going close late on, but the South African side held firm.
Pirates’ disciplined defensive display, combined with crucial interventions from Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki, ensured they return to Johannesburg with a vital lead.
The Algerian side will rue their missed chances and now face a tough challenge in the return leg as they look to overturn the deficit in Soweto.
The second leg will be played next week in South Africa, where the Buccaneers will aim to book their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2013.
