Ahead of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against MC Alger, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shared his anticipation.
Riding high on a 1-0 aggregate advantage, secured by Mohau Nkota's second-half strike at the Stade du 5 Juillet, Riveiro believes Ezimnyama Ngenkani are in a good position to reach the semifinals.
Riveiro praised his team's fighting spirit, highlighting that the first-leg victory was the perfect start to the quarterfinals.
The 49-year-old coach further acknowledged their success in keeping a clean sheet away from home despite the intense atmosphere.
The Spanish coach expects a similarly challenging contest in the return leg next week, recognising its importance as the deciding match.
’IT’S A GOOD WAY TO START’
“Obviously, I think it’s a good way to start the quarter-finals against, coming here to play against MC Alger in their own ground, in this atmosphere with everything clearly against us to get the result,” said Riveiro as quoted by FARPost.
“I’m so proud of the way the players applied themselves to really fight for this one. It wasn’t easy because the opponents are good, especially here at [their home venue]. They play with a decent speed.
“It’s a good way to start obviously, it goes without saying. We scored a goal away from home, and that is something very, very important in this competition.
“But still have to play another 90 minutes in Orlando and football is unpredictable. I think it’s gonna be a very equal second game.
“Hopefully we can be better than them again in Johannesburg.”
