sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates have reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, after concluding their quarter-final encounter against MC Alger with a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
In a thrilling conclusion, Tshegofatso Mabasa narrowly missed securing a victory in stoppage time by hitting the post with a late attempt, but the draw was sufficient for Pirates to advance to the next stage.
Entering the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of a goal by Mohau Nkota, Pirates showcased tenacious defending to thwart MC Alger’s advances in Soweto.
Despite a late scare from Alger with a header by Abdelkader Menezla, it posed no real threat to Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
This marks Pirates’ first semi-final appearance since 2013, where they reached the final only to be outdone by Al Ahly. They are now the second South African team to progress, joining Sundowns, who overcame ES Esperance on Tuesday.
Pirates are scheduled to face Pyramids in the semi-finals, following the Egyptian team’s win over AS Far Rabat. With only one change made to their starting lineup from the first leg, Pirates faced early pressure from Alger.
Alger began the match with an aggressive approach, attempting to control play. However, their strategy to exploit Pirates’ back three with penetrating runs was effectively neutralized by the home side’s well-organized defense.
Pirates’ counter-attacking efforts almost yielded results when Deon Hotto shot just wide in the 10th minute. Although Larbi Tabti skillfully maneuvered past Thapelo Xoki and Makhehleni Makhaula, his shot was ultimately thwarted by Nkosinathi Sibisi, allowing Alger to maintain possession.
As the first half progressed, Alger’s coach Khaled Ben Yahia grew more frustrated with their inability to penetrate Pirates’ defense, despite having the majority of possession. Nonetheless, Pirates started to assert themselves as the half approached its conclusion.
In an effort to modify their game plan, Pirates adopted a more aggressive stance in the second half. The intensity of Alger’s pressing tactics waned, allowing Pirates to advance.
In the 70th minute, coach Jose Riveiro substituted Patrick Maswanganyi and Phillip Ndlondlo in for Thalente Mbatha and Nkota to inject new energy into the frontline. A misplaced pass from Xoki nearly created a scoring opportunity for Pirates, but Relebohile Mofokeng’s follow-up was blocked.
Alger finally posed a challenge to the Pirates defense in stoppage time with a header from Menezla, but Chaine was positioned perfectly to make an easy save. Mabasa, who came on for Evidence Makgopa, almost doubled Pirates’ lead but hit the post after Alger’s defense failed to clear a precarious situation.
Ultimately, Pirates stood firm, achieving a goalless draw and advancing to the semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.
