Mouloudia Algiers manager Khaled Benyahia will have just six days to prepare his squad for their crucial encounter against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
Before their recent league fixture against USMK, Mouloudia Algiers had been in dominant form, steamrolling past opponents with an air of invincibility.
However, their momentum took a hit following a disappointing home draw against Khenchela, exposing vulnerabilities within the squad.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates had been struggling with inconsistency, losing the edge that once made them serious contenders for the African title.
A recent draw against Stellenbosch, despite their opponents being reduced to ten men for over an hour, reflected their difficulties.
That result, coupled with a win for league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, saw the Pirates slip ten points behind their rivals in the South African league standings.
Orlando Pirates Upset Sundowns in Crucial Encounter
Benyahia closely monitored the highly anticipated showdown between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. While many expected another Sundowns triumph, Pirates defied the odds by securing a 2-1 victory.
A stunning early brace from Relebohile Mofokeng in the fourth and fifth minutes stunned the visitors, and despite Mudau pulling one back in the second half, the hosts held firm to claim all three points.
This victory has reignited Orlando Pirates’ title hopes in South Africa, as they now trail Sundowns by 15 points but with four games in hand.
Should they win all four, they would close the gap to just three points, making them a formidable force once again.
Mouloudia Algiers Face a Resurgent Orlando Pirates
Pirates’ resurgence has shifted the dynamics of their upcoming clash with Mouloudia Algiers. While the South African side has regained confidence, Mouloudia’s recent struggles have raised concerns.
The local press highlighted their inefficiency in front of goal, particularly their alarming record of missed penalties—eight across all competitions this season.
Benyahia and his technical staff will analyze Orlando Pirates’ latest performances in detail, identifying defensive weaknesses that could be exploited in the upcoming quarter-final on April 1 at the Olympic Stadium.
However, preparations will be hampered by the late return of Mouloudia’s international players, who have been on duty with Algeria’s domestic-based national team.
The squad will only be at full strength—or close to it—by Tuesday, giving Benyahia a mere six days to fine-tune his team ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested knockout match.
