Orlando Pirates made a strong start to their CAF Champions League campaign, defeating CR Belouizdad 2-1 in Algeria.
Mohau Nkota stole the show with a brace, while South African forward Khanyisa Mayo also found the net. This crucial away win sets Pirates up well for the rest of the group stage.
The Buccaneers started the match with intent, eager to secure an early lead. Their efforts were rewarded in the 5th minute when Mohau Nkota capitalised on a clever combination with Relebohile Mofokeng to open the scoring.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani continued to dominate and were posing a constant threat on the attack. Their quick, incisive passing allowed them to create numerous scoring opportunities as they aimed to extend their lead.
MOHAU NKOTA BRACE
Nkota doubled the advantage in the 26th minute with a spectacular long-range strike, leaving the home side stunned.
Desperate to claw their way back into the game, the home team introduced South African forward Khanyisa Mayo, who is no stranger to facing Pirates. Mayo replaced Ishak Boussouf in an attempt to spark a comeback.
The hosts came back in the second half and looked a bit sharper than in the first 45 minutes as they were looking to equalise.
However, Jose Riveiro’s side started to pick up themselves as the Algerian giants couldn’t find the back of the net.
Mayo put some spark in the attacking movements of Belouizdad as they were not stopping to knock.
KHANYISA MAYO OPENS HIS ACCOUNT FOR BELOUIZDAD
The South African left-footer pulled one back for his side in the 66th minute, scoring his first goal in Belouizdad colours since joining the club at the start of the season.
After that goal, the home side grew in confidence making more box entries searching for another one.
Belouizdad made multiple attempts to score another goal to find the second goal but couldn’t dismantle Pirates solid defence.
