Jose Riveiro on how Khanyisa Mayo changed CR Belouizdad's game & discusses Orlando Pirates chances of beating Percy Tau's Al Ahly to Caf Champions League Group C top position

Orlando Pirates played Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad in Group C's Caf Champions League outing at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Tuesday night.

Youngster Nkota scored a first-half brace to put Bucs into the driving seat before former Cape Town City striker Mayo netted for the home team to set up a tense finale.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro has lauded the Bafana Bafana striker for his influence but is happy with the fact that his team secured maximum points.

“The introduction of Mayo after 30 minutes gave them more control,” the Spaniard told the media.

“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," he added.

Riveiro further discussed on Pirates' possibility to beat Al Ahly to the top spot in the pool.

“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," he added.

“We’re having our first experience together as a group in the Champions League group stage, dealing with opponents of a really high level."

While Pirates defeated CR Belouizdad 2-1, Percy Tau's Al Ahly claimed a 4-2 victory against Stade d'Abidjan to go top of Group C.

Tau started from the bench but was introduced in the 76th minute.

On Saturday, December 7, Pirates will host the Red Devils while Mayo's team will be away in Ivory Coast.

Before playing Al Ahly, the Sea Robbers have a Premier Soccer League task against Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Having won seven consecutive games in the league, Riveiro will be aiming at making it eight in a row and cement their place on top of the table.