MC Alger endured a frustrating evening at the July 5 Stadium, falling 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final tie.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the Algerian side was undone by a moment of clinical finishing from their South African opponents.
Missed chances haunt MC Alger
The home side took control from the outset, applying relentless pressure on Orlando Pirates’ defense.
Their attacking intent was evident as they fashioned a series of goal-scoring opportunities in the 1st, 23rd, 29th, 44th, 54th, and 59th minutes, yet they failed to capitalize.
Bangoura Mohamed Saliou squandered three clear-cut chances, including a pair of one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper.
Zakaria Naidji also had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 29th minute but was unable to find the target.
Despite their dominance, MC Alger lacked the cutting edge needed to convert their possession into goals, allowing Orlando Pirates to grow into the game.
Nkota strikes to give Orlando Pirates the advantage
The visitors, managed by Jose Riveiro, made a decisive tactical change in the 60th minute, introducing Mohau Nkota from the bench.
The substitution proved to be a masterstroke, as just five minutes later, Nkota capitalized on a precise assist from Relebohile Mofokeng, slotting home with his left foot to put Orlando Pirates ahead.
MC Alger thought they had equalized when Ayoub Abdellaoui found the net following a corner, but his effort was ruled out for a foul by Ghezzala on the Pirates’ goalkeeper.
The setback further deflated the hosts, who continued to push forward but could not find the breakthrough.
A tough task in Johannesburg
The defeat leaves MC Alger in a precarious position ahead of the second leg in Johannesburg.
They now face the daunting challenge of overturning the deficit on South African soil if they are to keep their CAF Champions League hopes alive.
With their semi-final ambitions hanging in the balance, the Greens and Reds will need a significantly more clinical display in front of goal to stand a chance of progressing.
