“We made some acclimatisation and adaptation for our players to feel fresh and to release our muscles after 14 hours of sitting in a plane.”
Experienced, tough campaigners Belouizdad are regular continental competitors for Algeria. They were Champions League quarterfinalists for three seasons in succession in 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 before exiting in the group stage last season.
Yet they are only the second-strongest team in Group C on pedigree and their record to 12-time Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt.
Ivory Coast’s Stade d’Abidjan complete a tough group.
Betway Premiership leaders Pirates return to domestic action when they host fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC in their league clash at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm).