Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has emphasized that another monumental effort will be necessary in the second leg against MC Alger next week.

Pirates delivered a gritty and hard-earned 1-0 victory in the CAF Champions League first leg quarter finals against a relentless MC Alger side at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.

A well-timed pass from Relebohile Mofokeng to Mohau Nkota allowed the youngster to calmly slot the ball past Abdelatif Ramdane in the 65th minute. This goal, the culmination of a swift counter-attack, proved decisive in the tense Algiers encounter.

The second leg is scheduled for Orlando Stadium next week.

“I think the most important thing is to focus on another 90 minutes as Orlando Pirates, because we’re only halfway there,” Chaine stated via BeINSport, as reported by SABC.

“The only thing we must do is concentrate on the next 90 minutes that we’ll play in Johannesburg. It’s not going to be easy, but we have to stick together as a team, work hard, and I believe good things come to those who work hard together.”

Pirates were compelled to mount a resolute defensive effort against Alger, who repeatedly tested Chaine’s goalkeeping skills. Notably, Chaine made a crucial save to deny Mohamed Bangouma’s goal-bound shot, preserving Pirates’ lead for the second leg at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates’ solid defensive line, featuring Thapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Mbekezi Mbokazi, who made his competition debut, contributed to their impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in the tournament. This marks their first quarter-final appearance since 2013, when they lost the final to Al Ahly of Egypt.

“It wasn’t an easy game,” Chaine acknowledged. “We came here in the group stage against CR Belouizdad (won 2-1), facing very difficult conditions playing in North Africa. We know how tough they are in front of their passionate fans. It’s a privilege and a great honor to come here and win, just as we did in the group stage.”