Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro looks on during the Premier Soccer League football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg FILE. Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro would have been happy man to bag a hard-earned victory on the road in the Caf Champions League against Algerian side CR Belouizdad on Tuesday. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Orlando Pirates bagged a memorable win in the Caf Champions League on Tuesday, as they beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 in their Group C encounter, in Dely Ibrahim, Algeria.
It was a solid win for Pirates on the road, in a match where they had few opportunities.
In fact, the hosts reeled off 20 shots at goal to the nine of Pirates.
Belouizdad also had the better share of possession with 61% of the ball.
Pirates got off to the perfect start as Mohau Nkota bagged the opener in the fifth minute, and before the half-hour mark was up the 20-year-old had bagged his brace as the visitors raced ahead.
Former Cape Town City player Khanyisa Mayo pulled a goal back for Belouizdad, but the Betway Premiership table-topping Pirates were able to hold out for the win.
Riveiro said after the game: “It was not our intention to defend low and say no to our normal transition that we used to have in every game, but I think what we thought it would be good throwing in the kitchen sink in the second half, looking for a goal to get close, to have the opportunity to at least fight for one point.
“And I think they did a fantastic job in the second half, it's been a lot of quality. And I think we managed to improve in the second half.
“We wanted one set piece, but I think with the body movement we managed to control and only giving them the opportunities to go to the sides and play some crosses or cutbacks. I think we didn't suffer so much besides the fact that they were in control of the possession in the second half.”