Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has stressed that his team must perform at their absolute best in the second leg against MC Alger if they aspire to reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

Pirates displayed immense resilience to withstand MC Alger’s pressure, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the Champions League first leg 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 encounter in Algiers.

The second leg is scheduled for Orlando Stadium next week.

“This is only the first 90 minutes of this round; we have to play the second leg, and anything is possible. We know we have to play a good game at home and strive for a favorable result,” Riveiro stated in the post-match press conference, as reported by SABCSport.

Riveiro, whose side boasts an 11-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League and topped Group C, which included Al Ahly of Egypt, acknowledged the considerable effort required to secure the crucial win.

“It was the type of game we anticipated in terms of the energy and aggression the opponent would exhibit,” Riveiro said. “Playing at home with a full crowd and an incredible atmosphere, they managed to really suffocate us, particularly in the first 45 minutes.

“It was difficult for us to establish our football in their half, but we defended very well, limiting their best opportunities and forcing them into areas where they are less effective.

“In the second half, we tried to be a bit more ourselves, finding more opportunities to play in their half, knowing we would still have to endure significant pressure.

“Fortunately, we worked hard to execute a successful transition and take the lead. We managed to secure a 1-0 advantage, and in the last 15 minutes, we focused on consolidating the result.

“They delivered several crosses, overloading our defensive line with four players in the latter part of the game. But overall, I think it was a match with two distinct approaches—a typical quarter-final first leg, well-contested by both teams with different tactical intentions.”