The Buccaneers — playing their first group stage match since the 2018-19 edition, where they exited in third place in Group B with one win, three draws and two defeats — took a big step towards securing a knockout stage place.
Such a polished performance suggests Pirates seem likely to be able to get results home and away against Stade, and they will now be favoured to beat Belouizdad at home too.
Even Al Ahly might have taken notice of coach Jose Riveiro’s team’s dangerous mix of youth and experience, spring in their step, dangerous, effective style of play, and exciting front-line — particularly the 20-year-old wing duo of Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng.