Orlando Pirates booked a spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after beating Algerian side CR Belouizdad 2-1.
The game started on a slow pace in rainy weather at Orlando Stadium, and the Algerian side remained compact in the first 15 minutes.
But after 20 minutes left-back Naoufel Khacef misplaced a pass, and Tshegofatso Mabasa grabbed it to take a shot which was saved by Belouizdad goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba but fell for Relebohile Mofokeng’s, and he easily scored it.
Pirates kept Belouizdad at bay, pressing them in their half, while midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula remained the pillar of the Pirates side.
The Buccaneers went to the break leading by 1-0.
Pirates came out guns blazing in the second half, looking to double the lead and seal their spot into the quarter-finals.
It didn’t take long for them to double the lead after Thalent Mbatha beat the Zeghba from outside the box with a thunderous strike to make it 2-0 with 29 minutes to play.
Pirates remained dominant in the game, Deon Hotto combined with Mbatha in the 71st minute but his shot went over the crossbar.
CR Belouizdad scored a late goal in injury-time but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game, as Pirates moved back to the top of Group C with 11 points.
The Buccaneers will finish their group stages campaign in Egypt next Sunday as they will be playing for the first place against Al Ahly SC.
