Orlando Pirates hope to conclude the job in the Caf Champions League quarter-final when they host MC Alger on Wednesday at the Orlando Stadium.
Both teams are desperate to advance to the next phase, which will increase their chances of getting the second star.
Coach Jose Riveiro has already announced he will be leaving the Sea Robbers at the end of the season, explaining why the hosts are under pressure to give the Spaniard a befitting send-off.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
The Premier Soccer League outfit are the only unbeaten team in the competition so far, and they will fancy their chances of going all the way and bringing the trophy home.
Prior to the Wednesday outing, they beat Polokwane City by a solitary goal in the PSL on Saturday.
Since the preliminaries, MC Alger have lost three times; twice at home and once away. Since the last meeting with Bucs, they have not played any game.
In the head-to-head record, this is just the second time the two teams are meeting. A Mohau Nkot strike gave the Sea Robbers a vital first leg win.
What They Said
Coach Jose Riveiro is happy with what he is getting from his players and the technical team. “We’re playing every game at the limit, three more points, now we have to go to the Champions League, then another final in the Nedbank Cup,” he told the media.
“Like I said before the game, it’s the consequence after being competitive since day one. These players, this group, this coaching staff, they are doing wonders this season; let’s continue until the end.”
Khaled Ben Yahia believes his team can beat Bucs at the Orlando Stadium, “We won't say the match against Orlando Pirates will be easy,” Ben Yahia told Kooora.
“Everyone saw the performance they put in against us at home, but we're going to South Africa to defend our chances. Nothing is impossible in football. We just have to believe that our chances still exist and do everything we can to return with a qualification ticket.
“I thank our loyal fans for coming to the training center and the airport to motivate us. I hope we live up to their expectations and make them happy by qualifying.”
Team News and Starting XI
Bucs have no new injuries ahead of the game; Patrick Maswanganyi missed the first leg but is back in the fold. However, coach Riveiro might opt to start with the team that beat the Algerian outfit last week.
MC Alger have also not communicated that anyone from their initial game is missing, which promises to be an exciting outing.
Orlando Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Xoki, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Mbokazi, Hotto, Makahula, Dlamini, Mbatha, Makgopa, Mofokeng
MC Alger Probable XI: Ramdane, Abdellaoui, Halaimia, Ghezala, Khelif, Benkhemassa, Tabti, Bouras, Naidji, Zunon, Bangoura
Where to Watch
The game will be live at SuperSport channel 209 and SABC3 from 18.00 hours SAT.
