Orlando Pirates produced a thrilling performance at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, defeating Saint-Éloi Lupopo 3-0 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round clash — but it wasn’t enough to keep their continental dreams alive.
Despite the emphatic win, the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate after Pirates’ first-leg 3-0 defeat in Lubumbashi, and the Buccaneers were ultimately eliminated on penalties, falling just short of reaching the group stage for a second consecutive season.
Determined to overturn the deficit, the Soweto giants dominated early possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Lupopo defense. Long-range efforts from Tshepang Moremi, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Sihle Nduli tested the visitors’ Cameroonian goalkeeper Simon Omossola, but none found the net.
Pirates’ persistence paid off just before halftime when Masindi Nemtajela unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked tempers, with Lupopo’s Chris Sumbu assaulting the scorer and Moremi retaliating — resulting in both players being sent off as tensions boiled over.
The Buccaneers pushed hard in the second half, with Oswin Appollis, Kabelo Dlamini, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi all forcing saves from Omossola. Their pressure was finally rewarded when substitute Yanela Mbuthuma headed home from a Dlamini set piece, making it 2-0 and reigniting belief in a possible comeback.
Deep into injury time, Appollis struck again with a long-range effort that sent the stadium into chaos — his goal made it 3-0 and forced the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, the Buccaneers’ hopes faded as Deon Hotto missed his spot kick and Mbuthuma failed to convert in sudden death, sealing a heartbreaking exit for the home side.
Despite the disappointment, Pirates’ fightback was a display of character and determination — a spirited performance that fell agonizingly short of glory.
Final Score (Aggregate):
Orlando Pirates 3–0 Saint-Éloi Lupopo (Lupopo win 5–4 on penalties)
Pirates XI:
Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Sebelebele (Lebitso 72’), Hotto, Nduli (Dansin 80’), Mbule (Mbuthuma 46’), Nemtajela (Dlamini 46’), Moremi, Appollis.
