Everything will be on the line when Orlando Pirates and MC Alger do battle at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
For the latest soccer news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content
The crucial second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final tie between the two sides kicks off with the Buccaneers holding a slim advantage following their 1-0 win at Stade du 5 July 1962 last Tuesday.
The Orlando Stadium will host the deciding leg, and the fate of either side in the competition could be decided by fine margins – as was seen in their previous battle.
Having witnessed an enthralling tactical affair in Algiers, here’s a look at the key areas that could decide which team reaches the semi-finals.
Bucs defence vs The Dean’s frontline
A composed defensive effort has seen the Buccaneers’ through some nervy periods in their recent fixtures including the first leg of this particular tie, where a collective effort from Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekelezi Mbokazi, along with Sipho Chaine kept the Algerians’ attack at bay in a demanding 90 minutes of football.
The home leg will be no different, with MC Alger’s one-goal deficit giving them even more incentive to not hang back at Orlando Stadium.
Experienced winger Zakaria Naidji’s energy and ability to create and finish off chances will again be key up front as he was in Algeirs, while centre-forward Soufiane Bayazid could have a bigger role in Soweto after a promising cameo in the previous leg.
Kipre Zunon and Mohammed Bangoura were also among those to conjure up scoring opportunities, and will be determined to convert this time around.
For the Orlando Pirates defence, the mission will be to maintain the type of discipline that has ensured clean sheets in three of their last four outings.
The midfield battle
The men at the centre of the park rarely hog headlines, but are often key at both ends of the field.
Orlando Pirates have utilised the fluidity offered by the dynamic duo of Makhehleni Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha effective throughout the season, while the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini provide creativity and an attacking edge with Goodman Mosele’s adaptability giving Jose Riveiro another welcome option.
MC Alger meanwhile boast midfield options just as technically gifted in the likes of Akram Bouras and Larbi Tabti, who will be required to control the tempo once more.
Mohamed Benkhemassa and Mohamed Zougrana offer extra defensive cover while possessing the ability to unlock the opposition through precise passes.
The two sets of midfielders will be primed for another intense battle that could determine the tie, which is still far from decided.
Wide threats
The creative spark for both sides is not confined to the middle of the park with some of the most potent attacking threats at either end operating out wide.
Naidji will be a key man for the visitors in this regard, while fullbacks Mohamed Halaïmia and Marwane Khelif have provided impressive attacking output in the ongoing campaign.
Orlando Pirates counter this with the fleet-footed duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota who bring flair and direct goal threat from the flanks.
The two youngsters combined for the solitary goal that separates the two sides heading into the deciding leg and will pose a constant test for the North Africans’ adventurous wingbacks, aided by the width provided by Deon Hotto and Deano van Rooyen.
Set-piece specialists
The two sides have displayed strength in set-piece situations and either side’s ability to convert or defend free kicks and corners could be the deciding factor.
Hotto, Dlamini and Mofokeng among the dead-ball specialists for the hosts, all adept at whipping one into the box and going direct, while Xoki is among the wild cards in this regard having been occasionally tasked with striking the odd one from a challenging range.
In the other camp, Halaïmia is without a doubt the main man come set-piece time, having bagged a good portion of his goal contributions from going direct with free kicks and utilising his side’s aerial threats effectively through probing balls into the penalty area.
Semi-final matches
The winner of the tie will face Egyptian side Pyramids in the semi-finals.
The second semi-final will take place between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
Al Ahly are the defending champions.
The two-leg semi-finals are scheduled for the weekends of 18/19 and 25/26 April.
The final is also a two-leg affair and scheduled for May 24 and June 1.
The overall winner will take home $4 million (R79 million).
Will Orlando Pirates progress to the semi-finals tonight?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
