Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro admits the introduction of Khanyisa Mayo changed the game for CR Belouizdad in their CAF Champions League group stage opener.
Pirates raced into a two-goal lead with Mohau Nkota bagging both goals and the Algerian side reacted by throwing the Bafana Bafana forward into the game.
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Mayo went on to score their consolation in the second half but it was his all-round performance that caught they eye, as he drove them forward to chase the game.
“The introduction of Mayo after 30 minutes gave them more control,” Riveiro said.
“It was not a surprise [at their technical level] that we did our job, the good and the bad [we analysed] like all of us [have], but we were not surprised by them actually.
“We knew in the second half what would happen, it’s a normal thing against a team like this playing at home, on an extremely fast field.
“So, we were prepared. Luckily we managed to keep the advantage and go home with the three points.”
Riveiro admits record-champions Ahly remain favourites to win their group but was upbeat of their own chances to advance as they secured three points in Algiers where the Egyptian giants were unable to achieve last season.
“Who knows, it’s still early to speculate [who can win this group]. Al Ahly is going to be the favourite in whichever group they are,” Riveiro said.
“We’re having our first experience together as a group in the Champions League group stage, dealing with opponents of a really high level.
“So we just want to go game by game, getting three points [in Algiers] is a massive achievement. If I’m not wrong, Al Ahly, Yanga couldn’t make it last season to get three points here, as we did, so we have to put this game in high estimation with a very young, inexperienced team, performing the way we did it, it’s something to be proud of.
“Where will be finish in the group stage? Who knows… we going game by game, our next game at home is Al Ahly, we will try to prepare for the game as well possible and make sure that Orlando is not an easy place for anyone in this group.”
Pirates will host the Red Devils on 7 December at Orlando Stadium in their next group stage clash.
