Mohau Nkota strikes in Algeria again to hand Orlando Pirates advantage after Caf Champions League victory over MC Alger

After a first half in which Orlando Pirates managed to soak in the pressure of some relentless attacking by MC Alger, the Buccaneers finally got the breakthrough in the second period.

Having netted twice against CR Belouizdad in Algeria last November, Mohau Nkota rose from the bench to finish a Relebohile Mofokeng feed on 65 minutes and the attacker had only been on the pitch for five minutes after he was introduced.

Shortly after, the hosts' captain Ayoub Abdellaoui had a goal disallowed after the referee ruled that Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had been obstructed.

It was an important victory for the Buccaneers and Algeria seems to be a fertile hunting ground for Nkota, who grabbed a brace against CR Belouizdad in the group stage.

After Tuesday's 1-0 victory, the Buccaneers have now gone for 11 Champions League matches unbeaten this season.

With MC Alger literally camping in Pirates' half, especially in the first period, Sipho Chaine was the busier goalkeeper and was forced to work overtime protecting his goal.

The Bafana Bafana custodian frustrated the home side with some impressive saves that kept the Soweto giants in the game.

After conceding at home, MC Alger left themselves with a big task to overturn their deficit when they visit Pirates for the second leg.

For all the tempo they had, especially in the first half, it counted for nothing for the Algerians who were threatening to go on a rampage.

Before hosting MC Alger in the second leg on April 9, Pirates will be on the road again, this time visiting Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium for a Premier Soccer League match on Saturday.

The Algerians, on the other hand, will be inactive at the weekend as they prepare to visit the Buccaneers.