Orlando Pirates are set for a different challenge in their Caf Champions League outing against Algerian giants CR Belouizdad away from home.
The two teams begin their battle to secure a place in the tournament’s quarterfinals at Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers on Tuesday at 21:00, South African time.
Hollywoodbets Sports brings you everything you need to know about the exciting clash.
Pirates and Khanyisa Mayo’s Belouizdad aim for positive start in Champions League group stage
The two sides head into their first match of Group C having experienced contrasting fortunes on their respective domestic campaigns.
Pirates lead the Betway Premiership with 21 points after seven matches and successfully defended the MTN8 title.
On the other hand, Belouizdad had a tough start in Algerian Ligue 1, where they occupy the 12th spot and are two spots above the relegation zone.
They have played eight matches in the 16-league team, collecting 10 points and are one point above the danger zone.
But the Reds, who have South African striker Khanyisa Mayo in their books, will be encouraged by wins in their last two outings.
Belouizdad defeated ES Mostaganem (2-0) and MC Algiers (3-1).
Both sides are eager to start the group stages well as the hosts look for their first Champions League title, while the Buccaneers look to add another one after they conquered the African continent in 1995.
The Reds are the second most successful club in Algeria, with 10 league titles, four behind leaders JS Kabylie.
But in the African continent, Pirates boast a better pedigree, having featured in four finals, two in the Champions League and two in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Their final appearance in the Champions League decider was in 2013 and 2022 for the Confederation Cup.
However, most of the current Pirates players weren’t there for those finals except skipper Innocent Maela, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deon Hotto, Bandile Shandu, Kabelo Dlamini and injured duo of Olisa Ndah and Goodman Mosele in the 2-1 loss to RS Berkane in 2022.
Mayo, who recently joined Belouizdad ahead of the season, will be crucial in providing the Algerians with intel about Pirates.
How to watch
Through their social media, Pirates have confirmed that the highly anticipated clash will be televised on the Pay-TV platform, SuperSport Channel 209.
Also, SABC have confirmed the broadcast of the clash on SABC 1 and SABC Plus.com.
Head-to-head
This will be the first time the two teams face each other.
Get ready for some intense football action as CR Belouizdad takes on Orlando Pirates in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL!🔥
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) November 26, 2024
🚨Live
📅Tue, 26 Nov
⏲️21:00
📺SABC 1
📲https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE #TotalEnergiesCAFCL ⚽️ #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/Mka3hdVoCe
Betting odds
Here at Hollywoodbets, we have placed the Algerians as favourites to overcome the high-flying Soweto giants at home.
But the Sea Robbers can’t be completely ruled out. Head to Hollywoodbets to place your bet.
15/20 Belouizdad | Draw 19/10 | Pirates 39/10
⚫⚪Match Day ☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 26, 2024
🏆 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
🆚 CR Belouizdad
🗓️ 26 November 2024
⏰ 20H00 🇩🇿21H00 🇿🇦
🏟️ Stade Du 5 Juillet 1962
📺 @SuperSportTV Channel 209
⚫⚪🔴⭐ #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/rABdCk2mYb
Stade du 5 Juillet
The stadium is located in Algeria’s capital city, Algiers and its name refers to the date of the proclamation of Algeria’s independence.
The venue has a capacity of 64000 and is part of the Mohamed-Boudiaf Olympic complex.
The stadium is the primary host of the Algerian Cup finals and is also used by the Algerian national team.
In 2013, the stadium made the news when part of it collapsed resulting in the death of two people on September 21.
After a 20-hour journey ✈️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 25, 2024
💪🏾 Strength & Conditioning Coach, Helmi Gueldich led a light ⚙️regeneration session in Algeria 🇩🇿
🗓️ 24 November 2024
⚫⚪🔴⭐#CAFCL#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/5WMZp4YoaE
Players to watch
For Pirates, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, who recently had a great run with Bafana Bafana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa will be key up front.
Pirates defenders will need to keep a close eye on experienced Algeria national team striker Islam Slimani, who is still scoring despite his age of 36.
The Algerian might want to use Mayo because of his vast knowledge of the Soweto giants.
