CR Belouizdad head coach Abdelkader Amrani has voiced caution ahead of his side's CAF Champions League group stage opener against Orlando Pirates, anticipating a "difficult" encounter.
The much-anticipated encounter is set to take place on Tuesday night, with both teams eager to begin their respective continental campaigns on a high.
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The Buccaneers enter the match in scintillating form. Currently leading the Betway Premiership, Pirates have enjoyed a flawless start to the season, winning all seven of their league fixtures to date.
In the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League, the South African outfit showcased their dominance, brushing aside Madagascar's CNaPS Sport with a 4-0 aggregate win before sweeping Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy 3-0 across two legs.
In contrast, CR Belouizdad's path to the group stages has been less emphatic.
The Algerian side secured their qualification after edging past AS Douanes in a penalty shootout.
Their domestic form has also been a cause for concern, with the team managing just two wins from their first eight league games, alongside four draws and two losses. However, recent back-to-back victories have offered a glimmer of hope.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Amrani acknowledged the challenge posed by Pirates and the disparity in form between the two sides.
"Orlando Pirates is a very respectable and strong team, playing modern football, and currently leading their local championship," he said, as quoted by onnews.in.
"The match will be very difficult for us, but after our last victory, I hope that confidence will become a habit for the players.
Amrani concluded with a note of caution: "A very difficult match awaits us against Orlando Pirates."
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As the Belouizdadis gear up for the showdown, all eyes will be on whether the Algerian outfit can build on their recent resurgence to challenge one of the most in-form teams on the continent.
By Junaid Benjamin
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