'That is what Makgopa needed to do!' Orlando Pirates sensation lauded for his intelligence after Caf Champions League winner against MC Alger - 'This boy Nkota is smart'

Orlando Pirates played MC Alger in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final outing played at the July 5, 1962, Stadium in Algiers.

Evidence Makgopa was favoured ahead of Tshegofatso Mabasa, with Mohau Nkota starting from the bench.

Makgopa missed some good chances before Nkota came off the bench to score the only goal of the match.

Here is the lone strike of the match.

In her analysis on SABC Sport, former Banyana Banyana defender Simphiwe Dludlu lauded the 20-year-old's intelligence and decisiveness.

"You need to have the experience to see where the defender will commit, where I go as the attacker, and how I protect the ball," said Dludlu.

"When the defender commits, I should not panic, I should protect the ball and know that once he falls, he is a man down. We always say that as a defender, stay on your feet as much as possible so that you add numbers.

"If you are on the ground, the game moves on, and that's what Nkota does. He had the timing of his run, and his composure was sublime," Dludlu concluded.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Jabu Mahlangu believes Evidence Makgopa can borrow a leaf from the youngster.

"That's what we were saying Makgopa needs to do; just delay, wait for the defender to fall,l and just put your body in front of him," said Mahlangu.

"If he doesn't touch you, the defender, with the tackle, then you are one-on-one with the keeper. So this boy Nkota is smart," the 44-year-old concluded.

The Buccaneers are close to making the last four of the prestigious annual club competition.

All players will need to be at their best in the second leg in Mzansi to ensure the team advances.

The last time Bucs won the Caf Champions League was in 1995, and they just might get their second star this season.