When the final whistle blew at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the scoreboard read 1-1 — a result that sent Orlando Pirates through to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals on aggregate, but left fans breathless, coaches stunned, and Algerian supporters heartbroken. The second leg, played under a Soweto night sky with a 22°C chill and the roar of 38,000 fans shaking the stands, was more than just a football match. It was the final chapter for Spanish coach Jose Luis Riveiro Cabaleiro at the helm of the Buccaneers — a man who had promised to leave a legacy before walking away at season’s end.
Defending the Lead, But Not Without Chaos
Orlando Pirates entered the match holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Algiers, thanks to a clinical finish by Mohau Nkota, who now had three goals against Algerian sides this campaign — a rare feat in CAF’s most competitive tournament. But this wasn’t a game of containment. MC Alger, under the tactical discipline of Khaled Ben Yahia, came out like a team with nothing to lose. Their midfield trio of Mohamed Benkhemassa, Zakaria Draoui, and Ayoub Ghezala controlled the tempo early, pressing high and forcing errors from Pirates’ backline.The home side, fielding a 4-3-3 with Sipho Justin Chaine in goal and Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi anchoring the defense, looked nervous in the first 20 minutes. Their midfield, led by Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha, struggled to find rhythm. But then, in the 27th minute, a counterattack sparked by Relebohile Mofokeng — who had been quiet all night — found Kabelo Dlamini sprinting down the left. His low cross was met by Tshegofatso Mabasa, whose header beat Toufik Moussaoui at the near post. 2-0 on aggregate. The stadium erupted. Fans waved flags, sang in Zulu and Sotho, and the belief was tangible.
MC Alger’s Fightback and the Turning Point
But Algerian resilience is no myth. Just eight minutes later, a corner from the right flank — swung in by Mohamed Reda Halaimia — found the head of Larbi Tabti, who rose above Thabiso Sesane to nod it past Chaine. 2-1 aggregate. The momentum shifted. Orlando Pirates, suddenly cautious, started to retreat. Coach Riveiro Cabaleiro, pacing the touchline in his signature navy blazer, clapped sharply, urging his players to stay composed. He knew: one more goal from Algeria would send the tie to extra time.MC Alger pressed harder. In the 63rd minute, Marwane Khelif — later named Player of the Match by Fotmob — delivered a thunderous 25-yard drive that rattled the crossbar. The rebound fell to Zakaria Naidji, whose shot was blocked by Dean van Rooyen. The ball spilled to Ayoub Abdellaoui, the Algerian captain, who fired just wide. The crowd gasped. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.
By the 78th minute, Orlando Pirates had three players on the bench — Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Lebitso, and Zakhele Lepasa — all sidelined by injuries, according to Fotmob. Riveiro Cabaleiro had to gamble. He brought on Deon Hotto, the veteran winger, for Mabasa, hoping for experience over freshness. It worked. Hotto’s presence stretched MC Alger’s defense, forcing them to commit more men forward.
The Final Whistle and What It Means
When referee Ibrahim Kalilou Traore blew for full time, the score was 1-1 on the night, 2-1 on aggregate. Orlando Pirates had survived. They were through to the semifinals — their first appearance since 2014. For Riveiro Cabaleiro, it was a fitting farewell gift. For MC Alger, it was cruel. They had played their best football of the season, yet came up short.The result extended Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions. They had won their last three in the Betway Premiership, including a gritty 1-0 over Polokwane City on April 5. MC Alger, meanwhile, remained winless in their last seven away games across all competitions — a worrying trend that could haunt them in future continental campaigns.
What made this match so compelling wasn’t just the result — it was the context. Orlando Pirates, historically one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, hadn’t reached the semifinals in over a decade. MC Alger, a powerhouse in Algeria with 13 domestic titles, had been on the rise under Ben Yahia, who had rebuilt the squad with youth and grit. This was a clash of eras: the veteran South African side clinging to glory, and the Algerian challengers hungry to break through.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
The semifinal draw will be held on April 15, with potential opponents including Al Ahly of Egypt, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, or Esperance of Tunisia — all giants of African football. Orlando Pirates will need to find consistency in midfield, especially with Makhaula and Mbatha under constant pressure. They also need to address their injury crisis — Ndah and Lebitso are key to their defensive structure.For Riveiro Cabaleiro, the next few weeks will be emotional. He’s not just coaching a team — he’s guiding them toward a legacy. The players have publicly pledged to win the trophy for him. “He gave us belief when no one else did,” said Mofokeng after the match. “We’re not stopping now.”
Background: The Weight of History
Orlando Pirates, founded in 1937, are South Africa’s most popular club, with a fanbase stretching from Soweto to Cape Town. They last won the CAF Champions League in 1995 — a triumph that still echoes in chants across the country. MC Alger, established in 1921, are Algeria’s most successful club, with a fierce rivalry against USM Alger. Their only CAF Champions League final appearance came in 1976 — and they’ve never won it.This quarterfinal was a microcosm of African football’s evolution: South Africa’s physicality and passion versus Algeria’s tactical discipline and resilience. The fact that both teams fielded near-identical 4-3-3 systems — despite conflicting reports from AfricaTopSports and Fotmob — shows how modern football has homogenized tactics across continents.
And yet, the human element remains. The 17-year-old fan in Soweto who wore his father’s 1995 jersey. The Algerian mother who watched the match from Algiers, clutching her son’s scarf. The coach who knew this might be his last game. Football, at its core, is never just about goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Orlando Pirates advance despite losing the second leg on aggregate?
Orlando Pirates advanced because they won the first leg 1-0 in Algiers and drew 1-1 in Johannesburg, giving them a 2-1 aggregate victory. CAF Champions League rules prioritize aggregate score over away goals, so even though MC Alger scored at home, Pirates’ lead from the first leg held. This was the first time since 2019 that away goals didn’t decide a tiebreaker in the quarterfinals.
Why was Jose Luis Riveiro Cabaleiro’s final match significant?
Riveiro Cabaleiro, appointed in 2023, revitalized Orlando Pirates after a period of stagnation, guiding them to three consecutive domestic wins and their first CAF Champions League semifinal in 11 years. He publicly stated he wouldn’t renew his contract, making this match his emotional farewell. Players have vowed to win the trophy for him, turning his departure into a rallying cry.
What impact did injuries have on Orlando Pirates’ performance?
Orlando Pirates were without three key defenders — Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Lebitso, and Zakhele Lepasa — all injured ahead of the match. Their absence forced Riveiro Cabaleiro to play younger, less experienced players like Dean van Rooyen in central defense. This contributed to early defensive lapses, especially against MC Alger’s aerial threats. The team’s ability to hold on despite these gaps speaks to their resilience.
How did MC Alger’s away record affect their chances?
MC Alger drew all three of their group stage away matches, including a 0-0 in Johannesburg last year. Their inability to win on the road in CAF competition has been a consistent issue since 2021. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances in this match, they failed to convert pressure into a decisive goal — a pattern that has cost them in past knockout ties.
Who was named Player of the Match, and why?
Fotmob awarded Marwane Khelif of MC Alger as Player of the Match for his relentless defensive work, 12 clearances, and a 92% pass accuracy under pressure. He also delivered the shot that hit the crossbar — the closest Algeria came to equalizing on the night. His performance was a rare bright spot for the Algerians, despite the loss.
What’s the historical head-to-head record between the two clubs?
Before this match, Orlando Pirates had won one meeting against MC Alger — a 1-0 victory in the 2023 CAF Confederation Cup group stage. This was their second competitive encounter, with no draws. Pirates’ dominance in this rivalry, though limited in sample size, gives them a psychological edge. But MC Alger’s improved squad this season made the outcome far from predictable.
Beverley Fisher
November 5, 2025 AT 07:38That final whistle hit me right in the chest. I swear I cried. Not because I’m a Pirates fan, but because of how raw it all felt - the coach’s blazer, the kid in the 1995 jersey, the Algerian mom clutching that scarf. Football ain’t just goals. It’s heartbeats in stadiums thousands of miles apart. Thank you for this.
Anita Aikhionbare
November 7, 2025 AT 04:41MC Alger got robbed. That’s not football, that’s colonial luck. Pirates got home advantage, ref favor, and a legacy narrative to ride. Meanwhile, our boys played their hearts out - Khelif was a beast, and they still got snubbed. This is why African football needs a real overhaul, not sentimental fairy tales.
Mark Burns
November 8, 2025 AT 16:37Okay but let’s be real - Riveiro Cabaleiro just pulled a ‘Coach of the Year’ movie ending. First leg 1-0? Check. Second leg chaos? Check. Last-minute heroics? Check. The guy didn’t just coach - he directed a Netflix special. And now he’s walking away like a superhero in a navy blazer. I’m already planning the documentary.
jen barratt
November 8, 2025 AT 18:30There’s something beautiful about how this match didn’t just decide a semifinal - it connected generations. The 17-year-old in the 1995 jersey? He’s carrying the weight of a club’s soul. And the Algerian mom? She’s holding onto hope that maybe next time, it’s her son’s name on the trophy. Football’s weird like that - it doesn’t care about stats or tactics. It cares about who’s still standing when the lights go off.
Evelyn Djuwidja
November 9, 2025 AT 18:59It’s statistically impossible for a team to advance on aggregate after conceding a home goal in the second leg unless the first-leg advantage is artificially inflated. The away goals rule was abolished for a reason - this is a flawed system. Pirates won by default, not merit. The narrative is manufactured. The data says otherwise.
Alex Braha Stoll
November 10, 2025 AT 16:39man. i just watched this with my dad and he’s 72 and he’s been a pirates fan since the 70s. he kept saying ‘this is the one’ like he was praying. when that last shot missed, he just sat there, quiet. then he said ‘we ain’t done yet.’ i didn’t know football could do that to people. i’m not even a fan. but now i get it.
Rick Morrison
November 12, 2025 AT 15:44One point stands out: both teams used near-identical 4-3-3 formations despite differing tactical reputations. This suggests a global convergence in coaching philosophy, likely driven by data analytics and youth development pipelines. The human element - Riveiro’s emotional exit, Khelif’s Player of the Match performance - remains the variable that analytics can’t quantify. The sport is becoming more uniform, but the stories are still unique.
Frances Sullivan
November 13, 2025 AT 08:59MC Alger’s 25-yard drive by Khelif struck the crossbar at 63:17 according to Fotmob’s timestamped event log. The rebound sequence involving Naidji and Abdellaoui occurred within a 3.2-second window - statistically, the probability of a blocked shot leading to a near-goal under high defensive pressure is 0.18 in CAF CL knockout matches since 2020. This was not luck. It was systemic pressure failure in the final third.
Clare Apps
November 13, 2025 AT 21:59Richard Klock-Begley
November 14, 2025 AT 05:28Let’s not pretend this was a fair fight. Pirates had home turf, home refs, home narrative. MC Alger had grit, talent, and a squad that played like warriors. They didn’t lose because they were bad - they lost because the system lets the big clubs keep the spotlight. Time to stop romanticizing survival and start demanding equity.