The scene is set for an intense battle as Orlando Pirates resume their CAF Champions League campaign, and it will play out on a stage they have previously trodden. The Soweto Giants are in Algeria ahead of the first leg of their quarter-final tie against MC Alger, taking place at the famous Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.
For a crucial outing away from home, the Buccaneers go head-to-head with their second opposition from the Land of the Martyrs in the ongoing competition. The backdrop for this particular fixture will also be a familiar one for them following their last voyage into The Bay of Algiers, which was as recent as November last year when they kicked off their Group C campaign against consistent deep-stage contenders in the tournament CR Belouizdad.
A brace from Mohau Nkota secured a much-needed three points to get the Soweto Giants to a flying start in the group stages, setting the tone for what would turn out to be an unbeaten campaign for a spot in the knockouts. It was not their first visit to the site of Algeria’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations title as they had previously stepped onto the same ground, albeit in a different interclub competition.
During the group stage of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League, Pirates came up against another Algerian side in JS Saoura. They triumphed at home and were again victorious in the away leg, netting twice in the second half courtesy of Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Kabelo Dlamini. It was a victory that proved crucial as they finished top of Group B ahead of a long run in the knockouts where they eventually finished as runners-up.
Outside Stade du 5 Juillet 1962, Pirates have had several other run-ins with teams from the North African nation and have generally fared well.
Following their historic 1995 Champions League triumph, the Buccaneers locked horns with two-time African champs JS Kabylie – who had just been crowned Cup Winners’ Cup (now Confederation Cup) champions – in the 1996 CAF Super Cup. Bruce Ramokgadi’s right-footed strike from close range was the difference on the day as the Soweto Giants walked off with a 1-0 victory to lift the title. However, that particular clash took place at FNB Stadium, one of a few other venues that have played host to Pirates’ fixtures against Algerian opposition.
Their only defeat in Algeria’s capital came in the 1997 CAF Champions League when they traveled to the Stade Omar Hammadi to face USM Alger in the group stage. The hosts secured all three points with a 2-1 in a tightly contested affair with Dumisa Ngobe providing Pirates’ sole strike. That result ultimately played a part in Pirates’ inability to progress beyond the group phase, marking a disappointing end to their continental campaign that year.
Fast forward to the 2020/21 CAF Confederation Cup, Pirates once again encountered Algerian opposition in the form of ES Sétif. Due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the match was played at a neutral venue in Accra, Ghana. The Buccaneers put up a resilient performance, earning a 0-0 draw in what would turn out to be a crucial result in their bid to reach the knockout rounds.
Having more than held their own against Algerian sides over the years, the focus is now on a high-stakes return to Stade du 5 Juillet 1962. Another positive result at the venue will put them in a strong position ahead of the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium. It will require a special effort against an in-form MC Alger outfit, but the Buccaneers have proven capable through recent successes as the famous venue. Kick-off is at 21:00 (SAST).
