Khanyisa Mayo’s CR Belouizdad has recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in the Ligue Professionnelle 1 this season ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against Orlando Pirates at Stade du Juillet 1962 Stadium in five days. 

Belouizdad, playing away from home, came from a goal down to clinch a 3-1 victory over their rivals MC Algiers on Wednesday night, handing the defending champions their first defeat of the 2024/25 campaign. 

After claiming the bragging rights against a side that ended their reign of winning four consecutive league titles, Belouizdad has moved up to 10th place with eight matches played and 10 points accumulated – one above the relegation zone with a game in hand. 

Before the two consecutive victories, the Chababists were winless in their first six league matches. The dismal start to the season led to the sacking of French tactician Corentin Martin just three months into his appointment. The Algiers-based outfit turned to a familiar face in Abdelkader Amrani who lifted the 2018/19 Algerian Cup during his first stint with the club, and early signs indicate that the 10-time Ligue 1 winners may be turning the corner. 

However, despite the new sense of optimism at Belouizdad, South African striker Mayo has yet to establish himself in the starting XI since joining the team from Cape Town City in the off-season, frequently coming off the bench. The 26-year-old center forward has so far struggled to replicate the goal-scoring prowess he displayed in his native country. 

Furthermore, Mayo played one minute in the 2-0 win over ES Mostaganem before the international break and was an unused sub in the Algiers derby. In the meantime, the Algerian giants will be delighted with their recent vein of fine form as they switch their focus to hosting in-form Betway Premiership log leaders in a group C encounter of Africa’s elite club competition. 

On the other hand, the Buccaneers will be brimming with confidence as they are currently unbeaten in the league with seven wins on the trot but will be wary of resting on their laurels ahead of their first group-stage appearance since the 2018/19 season under Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.