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Orlando Pirates vs CR Belouizdad, 12 January 2025 – kick-off time, players to watch, betting odds & more!

After a humbling midweek match, Orlando Pirates are now focused on their crucial CAF Champions League game against CR Belouizdad this weekend.

Orlando Pirates players during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 Orlando Pirates Press Conference and Training on the 03 January 2025 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto
Image: Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix

After a humbling midweek match, Orlando Pirates are now focused on their crucial CAF Champions League game against CR Belouizdad this weekend.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

The Buccaneers, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in a Betway Premiership match on Wednesday, aim to secure their place in the knockout stage.

A victory in this match will allow them to advance to the next round with one game remaining.

The game against the Algerian side is scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Sunday at 15:00.

Hollywoodbets Sports Blog provides all the information you need to know about the match.

Battle for Champions League knockout in Orlando

While the Sea Robbers need just a win to confirm their place in the quarter-final, Belouizdad are aware that a defeat will rule them out of contention for continental glory.

So, the Algerians are expected to throw everything at their hosts to remain in line for the next round.

The visitors will hope having a South African, Khanyisa Mayo, in their squad will play a key role in their tough mission to walk away with maximum points.

Mayo was on the scoresheet when the two sides met in the North African country where the South African giants claimed a surprise 2-1 win.

The former City forward played off the bench and, after he came on, completely changed the game in favour of the Algerians.

The Soweto giants, who won with an impressive brace by Mohau Nkota away, will hope to quickly get off the mark in the match as they did in Algeria.

How to watch

The match will be televised on SuperSport Channel 209 and the streaming platform Showmax.

The public broadcaster has committed to televising the clash on SABC 1 and its streaming platform SABC Plus.

Also, live commentary will be provided on the SABC’s different radio stations.

Betting odds

After their crucial away win against the same opponent and how they have performed in the competition, the Bucs are understandably the favourites in this match.

But there’s a lot at stake and the North Africans will come prepared to fight with everything they have to remain in the hunt for Champions League top honours.

Again, the fact that North African sides struggle to perform in South Africa because of hot weather conditions and playing during the day under the scorching sun might work in the Sea Robbers’ favour.

7/10 Pirates | Draw 47/20 | Belouizdad 36/10

Head-to-head

26-11-24: CL – CR Belouizdad 1-2 Orlando Pirates

Khanyisa Mayo and Moustafa Zeghba, goalkeeper of CR Belouizdad celebrate victory during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 Preliminary Round 2nd Leg match between CR Belouizdad and AS Douanes at Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, Algeria on 20 September 2024
Image: Atmane Lahouel/BackpagePix

Orlando Stadium

The venue found in Soweto township was refurbished to a state-of-the-art stadium ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and was used as one of the training venues for the duration of the world showpiece.

The Buccaneers have recently turned a 40,000-seater into a slaughterhouse, with most teams barely coming out alive.

This weekend will be buzzing as the match tickets have been sold out.

Players to watch

The visitors will definitely count on Mayo and his knowledge of the Soweto giants to play the leading role in helping them to get the desired result.

Apart from Mayo, the Algerians have top players such as Houcine Benayada and Islam Slimani, who remains a serious threat up front.

Pirates are set to welcome back midfield maestro Makhehlene Makhaula after missing the midweek game due to suspension.

After missing a penalty against City, star player Patrick Maswanganyi will be desperate to redeem himself in this big game.

Youngsters Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng will once again look to show the continent why they are highly rated in South Africa and how they earned the trust of coach Jose Riveiro and his technical team.

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