MC Algiers vs Orlando Pirates prediction, H2H and probable lineups — April 1, 2025
Leo Peterson
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
On April 1, 2025, the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douéra will host the first leg of the African Champions League quarter-finals, featuring a clash between MC Algiers and Orlando Pirates. I believe we won't see many goals in this match.
Preview
The African Champions League is the continental equivalent of the European Champions League, contested by the strongest clubs in Africa. The tournament's champion earns a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup and the right to play in the CAF Super Cup against the winner of the CAF Confederation Cup.
MC Algiers is the reigning national champion. Last season, the club finally claimed the national title, which fans had awaited for 13 long years. In the new championship, the team continues to dominate, confidently leading the standings after 20 rounds. They hold a seven-point lead over their nearest rival. In the last four matches, MC Algiers remained unbeaten, securing three victories and one draw.
During the group stage of the Champions League, the team finished second, conceding the top spot to Sudan's Al-Hilal.
Orlando Pirates confidently navigated the group stage, finishing first in their group and leaving behind Egypt's Al Ahly — the club with the most victories in the African Champions League. This success highlighted the team's strength on the international stage.
Heading into the upcoming match in Algeria, Orlando Pirates are in high spirits. In the national championship, the team secured an important victory over Mamelodi Sundowns — a long-time dominant club in South Africa.
Despite being second in the table, Orlando's gap from the leader seems huge — 15 points. However, the team has a significant number of games in hand: four fewer than their competitors. At best, this could reduce the gap to a mere three points, reigniting the championship race intrigue.
Probable lineups
- MC Algiers: Ramdane, Bayazid, Benhamassa, Bouras, Ghazala, Le Helif, Menezla, Tabti, Zunon, Hanoun, Halaimia
- Orlando Pirates: Shane, Van Rooyen, Hoki, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mahaula, Mbatha, Hotto, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Makgopa
Match facts and H2H
- In their last four matches, MC Algiers has consistently scored at least two goals per game. In all these encounters, the "Over 2.5 goals" bet was successful.
- However, during the Champions League group stage, no match involving MC Algiers recorded an "Over 2.5 goals" total, indicating a more cautious approach in international games.
- Orlando Pirates showed excellent results on the road in their group, suffering no defeats. The team secured two wins and one draw, confirming their strength and stability in away matches.
Prediction
Since this is the first encounter between the teams, a cautious game from both sides is expected, especially considering the importance of the playoff stage. Likely, the opponents will start with reconnaissance, aiming to minimize risks. In such conditions, the bet on "both teams to score - no" seems justified. The odds for this outcome are 1.66.
