Mohau Nkota’s brace was enough for Orlando Pirates to beat Khanyisa Mayo’s CR Belouizdad 2-1 in their CAF Champions League group stage opener at Stade Du 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.
The Soweto giants secured a place in the Champions League group stage for the first time in five years after defeating Jwaneng Galaxy with a 3-0 scoreline on aggregate in September this year.
Below are the talking points from this mouthwatering showpiece between Pirates and Belouizdad
ORLANDO PIRATES FACE CR BELOUIZDAD FOR THE FIRST TIME
This was the Pirates’ first time going head-to-head with Belouizdad of Algeria in the CAF Interclub competition.
However, this was the fourth time the Jose Riveiro-coached side travelled to Algeria for an away encounter. In those four matches, the Buccaneers won two, drew one, and lost one.
MAYO GETS A RUN AGAINST ORLANDO PIRATES
Former Cape Town City FC and Bafana Bafana forward Khanyisa Mayo got a chance to play against Pirates in their Champions League tie.
Mayo came in from the bench in the 34th minute of the game, replacing Ishak Talal Boussouf.
To put a cherry on top, Mayo showed what he is capable of when he scored a goal for Belouizdad in the 66th minute of the contest.
Sadly, Mayo’s goal wasn’t good enough to encourage the Algerian side to bounce back in the game as Pirates remained disciplined at the back.
MOHAU NKOTA SCORES BRACE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
The talented youngster, Nkota, broke the deadlock as early as five minutes into the showdown to put Pirates in front.
Nkota did not stop there. He completed his brace when he scored another for the Sea Robbers in the 27th minute of the game.
The 20-year-old’s brace was enough to earn Pirates maximum points away from home in their first group stage game.
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