Only two points separate first placed Orlando Pirates from third placed CR Belouizdad in Group C of the CAF Champions League ahead of their duel on Sunday (13:00 GMT) in Johannesburg. The Bucs got their group stage campaign off to a brilliant start in Algeria when they stunned the Algiers club and now Pirates can confirm their place in the quarterfinals with a victory at home.
Group C Table
GP | Points | |
Orlando Pirates | 4 | 8 |
Al Ahly | 4 | 7 |
CR Belouizdad | 4 | 6 |
Stade d'Abidjan | 4 | 1 |
Orlando Pirates
The South African giants are showing a level of efficiency and promise not seen in recent years with coach Jose Riveiro winning over the club's skeptical supporters. The Buccaneers snatched top spot in the group with a stylish display against Stade d'Abidjan and now the mission is clear: Win at home against CRB or be forced to get points in Egypt against group favorites Al Ahly. A defeat in league play earlier this week was a blow and the new challenge for Riveiro is keeping his mix of young and experienced players fresh during a period of fixture congestion.
Riveiro understands his defense well and appears to be largely settled on his choices. Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi forms a solid partnership in the center of defense with youth academy graduate Thabiso Sesane and the Spanish coach can mix in veteran winger Deon Hotto as an attacking left back when the situation requires more of an aggressive mentality.
Thalente Mbatha and veteran Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha will combine to fight the midfield battle in the center with the crown jewel of the youth academy, Relebohile Mofokeng, in an advanced playmaking role. Tshegofatso Mabasa appears set to continue as the preferred striker up top while youngster Mohau Nkota continues to impress on the wing. Patrick Maswanganyi is always a potential match changer in the attack but has had issues with consistency this season.
CR Belouizdad
CRB achieved their first-ever victory over defending Champions League winners Al Ahly from six meetings to revive their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. Abdelkader Amrani's squad is fully rested and healthy after the coach rested many players in a domestic cup victory on Tuesday. The difficult task awaits now of earning a positive result in South Africa where avoiding defeat gives CRB a great chance to sneak into the knockout stages on the final day.
Le Grand Chabab are at their best form and rely on an experienced group led by central defender Chouaib Keddad, who is supported by fellow veterans Houcine Benayada at right back and central partner Mouad Hadded. Abdelraouf Benguit, the captain, leads an adequate midfield from his central position that could be the weakness for Pirates to exploit.
The CRB attack has not been greater than the sum of its parts so far this season. The club depends on winger Abderrahmane Meziane to create uncertainty for opposition defenses with his skillful dribbling but it can make things too predictable at times. On his return to South Africa, forward Khanyisa Mayo will need to be more useful as a playmaker than a scorer with pure striker Aymen Mahious providing the target in the penalty area.
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