MC Alger coach Ben Yahia reveals why he was afraid of Bucs before Caf Champions League meeting - 'Someone warned me about Orlando Pirates'

MC Alger coach Ben Yahia has revealed why he was afraid of Orlando Pirates ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup duel on Tuesday.

The tactician said he had been warned about the Soweto team's attributes, but in the end he was happy how his players tackled the Sea Robbers, although they went down 1-0 at their own turf.

The coach said he was disappointed mainly because they could not win for the fans who turned up in large numbers to support the players.

"I am doubly saddened by the course of the match and the efforts made by the players. We prepared well for the match in all aspects: physically, technically, and even in terms of activating the game,” Ben Yahia told Kooora.

"I was very afraid of the match because someone warned me about Orlando, but the truth is, what we did was exceptional. We gave our best effort and put pressure on our opponent from the start, not letting them breathe, and they were unable to break the pressure.

"I've played in the (Caf) Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals before with Esperance de Tunis, and I know what it means to respect your opponent. However, our control of the match was clear, as evidenced by the numerous chances we missed. All the statistics were in our favour, but we lacked effectiveness," he added.

"The loss is what hurts. The fans came in force and encouraged us a lot. I feel proud and disappointed at the same time. I am proud of the team and what the players did and disappointed to lose a quarter-final match. I hope the future will be better," Yahia concluded.

By the fact that they managed to win away from home, this can be considered a huge victory for Pirates. Although the quarter-final is far from over yet, the Bucs must capitalise on the home advantage they are expected to enjoy in the return leg.

The victory in Algiers followed a big one the Soweto giants had registered before the break, a 2-1 win over Premier Soccer League (PSL) heavyweights and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

These kinds of 'big game' victories will boost Jose Riveiro's men's morale as they pursue league, Nedbank Cup and continental trophies to cap off their season.

The Algerian side will travel to South Africa for the return leg scheduled for April 9.

Before then, Pirates will face Polokwane City on April 5, and this is a crucial fixture that they must win in order to keep their PSL dream intact.