It was always going to be a tough fixture in South Africa for Orlando Pirates because MC Alger needed to attack and attack and score and score to stand any chance of progressing.
The damage was done in Algeria when The Bucs won 1-0 through Nkota Mohau’s second-half strike.
Ben Yahia’s MC Alger in the first half showed great determination to score, but the defence of Orlando Pirates led by Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi was so good and well organised.
The first half ended in a goalless draw, with the away side enjoying 60 per cent possession compared to 40 per cent by the home team. With three shots in the first half, the Algerians had none on target.
It was just 45 minutes left for Orlando Pirates to reach the semi-finals and they just needed to defend so deep to keep their aggregate lead.
MC Alger improved on their dominance but could not do the needful: to score the important goal.
The game ended goalless, with Orlando Pirates qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time since 2013. The Bucs will play against the Egyptian side Pyramids while their fellow South African side Sundowns will face the defending champions Al Ahly.
