sportskeeda
Mohau Nkota’s outstanding performance led Orlando Pirates to a significant 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in their first CAF Champions League group stage match at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.
The promising young South African forward made a striking impact, scoring two goals in the first half to give the Pirates a robust lead. Nkota opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a precise finish from a well-timed assist by Relebohile Mofokeng. He further enhanced the lead with a spectacular long-range shot in the 27th minute, leaving the Algerian side reeling.
CR Belouizdad featured experienced striker Islam Slimani, their captain, who started his career with the Algerian club.
He went on to play for clubs including Sporting Lisbon, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Fenerbahce, Monaco, Lyon, Anderlecht, Coritiba, and Mechelen before making his return to Belouizdad in the off-season.
The 36-year-old was part of the Algerian team that won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019 in Egypt, conquering Senegal in the final.
He had a chance in the first half but missed the target.
Despite this, Pirates maintained their pressure, with Nkota scoring again from close range after being set up by Mofokeng, skillfully placing the ball into the far corner in the fifth minute.
Pirates benefitted from a long goal kick by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine that passed through several lines, assisted by a flick from Evidence Makgopa, leading to the crucial opportunity at the opposite end.
It was an action-packed match as Pirates’ goalkeeper Chaine executed two impressive saves, one of which halted a follow-up as the momentum shifted towards the Algerian champions.
Soon after, Nkota had an opportunity to extend Pirates’ lead to 2-0, racing towards goal, but Belouizdad’s keeper Moustafa Zeghba made a remarkable save to keep his team in contention. Patrick Maswanganyi’s follow-up was off target.
Nevertheless, in the 27th minute, Nkota hit again with a stunning long-range effort that left Zeghba helpless as the ball sailed into the top corner. This was Nkota’s first appearance in the Champions League, marking an unforgettable moment for the young star.
South African international Mayo was brought on by Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani just before halftime in an effort to revive their dwindling hopes.
Belouizdad seemed to improve with Mayo joining Slimani up front, a clear indication of his familiarity with Pirates players, having previously scored against them while claiming the PSL Golden Boot in the 2022/23 season with Cape Town City.
The Algerian side continued to raise their game in the second half, coming close to scoring with Aimen Mahious in the 64th minute.
However, Mayo, unmarked in the box, scored a header for Belouizdad in the 66th.
With flares igniting in the stands, Belouizdad appeared more formidable, managing to push Pirates back into their half.
Pirates found themselves under pressure as Belouizdad surged forward, creating gaps that prompted Maswanganyi to encourage his teammates to press out and apply pressure on the home side.
A tense moment for Pirates arose during stoppage time with a penalty appeal, but referee Masangune Louis Mwamba dismissed it. Nonetheless, Pirates held firm for a crucial away victory in the Champions League group stages for the first time in a decade.
