Former Orlando Pirates player Hleza Mofedi believes the team is now the favorite to win the CAF Champions League.
Mofedi asserts that the Buccaneers are more convincing than any other team in the quarter-finals, including Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers secured a 1-0 victory against MC Alger in Algeria in the first leg of the quarter-finals, while Sundowns won by the same scoreline against Esperance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
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Pirates managed only four shots on goal, with just one on target, while Alger had 21 shots toward the Pirates' goalposts.
"I was very nervous at the start of the game; they were pressuring us, and Pirates couldn't even make three passes," Mofedi tells KickOff.
"The only scoring chance I remember Pirates missing was one by Evidence Makgopa, but even that wasn't a clear-cut chance.
"I watched MC Alger closely yesterday, and I can say that the first half belonged to them. However, their substitutions failed to change the game in their favor. Pirates only started playing well in the second half, so I don't believe Alger can beat us at home.
"Mbokazi played like he's been in the game for years—cool, calm, and collected. Coach Riviero had a perfect plan against Alger.
"The entire team impressed yesterday; we are going to win this cup. I can't believe we are on the path to this season's final.
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"When I look at the other remaining teams, I can confidently say that we will reach the final and win the cup.
"We shouldn't change the way we played yesterday; Pirates' performance in the Champions League has been more convincing than that of Sundowns."