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Orlando Pirates kick-off their CAF Champions League group stages campaign against CR Belouizdad this week.
The Algerian side will be the toughest opponents the Buccaneers have faced this year in the continental competition. Their journey begins with a trip to Algeria, where they will face Group C rivals CR Belouizdad at Stade Du 5 Juillet on Tuesday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 and will be played at Stade du 5 Juillet.
Orlando Pirates have been drawn in a tricky group that also features record winners and reigning champs Al Ahly of Egypt as well as Ivorian giants Stade d’Abidjan.
At the forefront of the Mighty Buccaneers’ immediate priorities will be mapping out a plan to topple their first Algerian opposition in the Champions League in nearly 30 years. Their last run-in with a team from the desert nation came in 1997 when they encountered USM Alger over two legs in what was a disappointing campaign where they exited in the group stage.
Orlando Pirates looking to start CAF CL group stages on a high
The Buccaneers have played 16 matches this season across all competitions and only lost once. An away win will definitely make a statement as they look to earn their second star
For Belouizdad, hosting the Soweto Giants presents a welcome break from domestic competition following a tough start to the season as they find themselves way short of their usual territory in 10th place on the Algerian Ligue 1 table. This is after managing only a couple of victories in 10 attempts. They are expected to put on a determined display on home turf against an in-form Buccaneers side searching for a vital win to kick off their campaign.
Orlando Pirates arrived in Algeria on Sunday afternoon and will look to continue their great start to the season.
Can Pirates go all the way?
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