The Soweto giants make their long-awaited return to the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since 2019.

South African youngster Mohau Nkota shines as Orlando Pirates defeat Khanyisa Mayo's CR Belouizdad in their first group game in the CAF Champions League.

With Pirates applying a low block in the second half, Belouizdad took control of the match and they were rewarded for their constant threat through substitute Khanyisa Mayo who headed home from a corner kick. It was the Bafana Bafana’s first goal for the Algerian club having joined them from Cape Town City at the beginning of the season.

Orlando Pirates marked their return to the CAF Champions League group stage with a vital way win over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad.

Orlando Pirates managed to qualify. Sitting in Group C, the Sea Robbers will play five matches with the dream of finishing first or second in the group to advance to the quarter-finals. The journey will start on Tuesday away to Algerian giants CR Belouizdad.

The Buccaneers are in Group C in the Champions League alongside record winners and reigning champs Al Ahly of Egypt, Ivorian giants Stade d’Abidjan and Belouizdad.

Soweto giants Orlando Pirates will be looking to start their CAF Champions League group stages campaign on a positive note when they lock horns against CR Belouizdad at Stade Du 5 Juillet on Tuesday in Algeria.