MC Alger head coach Khaled Ben Yahia has shared what gives him hope heading into the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal match against Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
The Algerian team suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Buccaneers in the first leg of the tie last week at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Dely Ibrahim, a match where the home team controlled most parts of the game.Pirates have an advantage going into the second leg, while the Mouloudia Club understands well that they have a mountain to climb to overcome the 1-0 goal deficit.
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The return leg is scheduled to take place at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, with the victors advancing to the semi-finals.
Although Ben Yahia is well aware of the mammoth task lying ahead against Jose Riveiro's team, the coach is confident that his team can turn around the tie in Johannesburg.
"We won't say the match against Orlando Pirates will be easy," Ben Yahia told Kooora.
"Everyone saw the performance they put in against us at home, but we're going to South Africa to defend our chances.
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"Nothing is impossible in football. We just have to believe that our chances still exist and do everything we can to return with a qualification ticket.
"I thank our loyal fans for coming to the training center and the airport to motivate us. I hope we live up to their expectations and make them happy by qualifying."