Orlando Pirates open their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a formidable test against Algerian giants CR Belouizdad at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Tuesday night. The South African side, riding high after an impressive domestic season, are determined to make a strong statement as they return to the continental competition for the first time since 2019.
The Pirates, crowned CAF Champions League winners in 1995, are navigating a challenging Group C that includes defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt and Ivorian heavyweights Stade d’Abidjan.
A solid performance against Belouizdad could set the tone for the Buccaneers’ aspirations in this fiercely contested group.
This trip to North Africa is a significant moment for the Soweto-based club, marking their first encounter with an Algerian opponent in the Champions League in nearly three decades.
The last time they faced a Maghreb side was in 1997, a two-legged tie against USM Alger that ended in a disappointing group-stage exit.
However, recent experience against Algerian teams in the CAF Confederation Cup, including clashes with ES Sétif and JS Saoura between 2020 and 2021, could prove valuable for the Pirates.
CR Belouizdad, on the other hand, are grappling with a challenging domestic season. Currently 10th in the Algerian league, the three-time defending champions have managed just two wins in their first ten matches.
Despite this shaky form, the team will be eager to use their home advantage to ignite a turnaround and bolster their confidence on the continental stage.
The Pirates landed in Algiers on Sunday to finalize preparations for the much-anticipated clash. Head coach Jose Riveiro and his squad will be looking to capitalize on their strong form and demonstrate the quality that has made them one of South Africa’s top sides.
For the Pirates, success in Algiers would not only reinforce their credentials but also send a clear message to their Group C rivals.
Belouizdad, backed by their passionate home crowd, will be determined to halt the Pirates’ momentum and inject life into their season.
With their sights set on redemption in the CAF Champions League, the Algerian side knows that a victory over a resurgent Orlando Pirates team could mark a turning point.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal showdown, the stage is set for an intense battle that could shape the trajectory of their respective campaigns in Group C.
