Orlando Pirates started their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-1 victory away to CR Belouizdad on Tuesday night.
Pirates named the same side that edged Richards Bay 1-0 before the FIFA break, as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Patrick Maswanganyi supported Evidence Makgopa upfront.
Jose Riveiro's charges had a perfect start after Nkota gave them the lead after just five minutes with a low strike in the box after he raced through from a counter-attack.
Belouizdad continued to play a high line and nearly paid for it again moments later after Nkota broke through again but the 20-year-old was denied by goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba in a one-on-one.
CRB were not quick to close Pirates down and on the half-hour mark, Nkota made it 2-0 for the Soweto giants and completed his brace with a rocket from range that flew over Zeghba and found the top corner.
The Algerian outfit were spirited going forward and on the stroke of half-time, Housseyn Selmi came close to pulling a goal back with a low strike in the box that missed narrowly wide.
CRB attacked the Buccaneers frequently from the interval, as within six minutes Khanyisa Mayo had a big chance in the box after he was teed up by Islam Slimani but he dragged his shot wide.
However, Belouizdad's pressure finally paid off midway into the first stanza after Mayo reduced the deficit with a free header from a corner by Abderrahmane Meziane.
Riveiro reacted with a defensive and tactical change a moment later as Paseka Mako replaced Mofokeng and with 15 minutes to go, the Spanish coach balanced his shape going forward as Kabelo Dlamini came on for Thalente Mbatha.
The home side camped inside Pirates' half in the closing stages and Naoufel Khacef almost levelled matters in added time with a strike that missed the far post by a whisker.
The Soweto giants started with three points in Group C, equal on points with Al Ahly, who thrashed Stade d'Abidjan 4-2.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Monyane, Sibisi, Sesane, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Mofokeng, Nkota, Maswanganyi, Magkopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Timm, Dlamini, Maela, Kimvuidi, Mako, Van Rooyen, Rasebotja, Mabasa.