Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League dream in tatters after thrashing in DR Congo

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Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League dream in tatters after thrashing in DR Congo
Image - Pirates

Orlando Pirates suffered a setback in their quest for CAF Champions League glory when they were beaten away in the first leg of their second preliminary round match.

Pirates were taking on DR Congo side St Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Sunday afternoon, seeking a first leg advantage, but they did not get it and lost 3-0 instead.

The Buccaneers had few chances in the contest and were pegged back after just five minutes when the Congolese side scored through DR Congo international Wanet Kashala.

St Eloi Lupopo applied early pressure and forced Pirates into an early clearance with Mbekezeli Mbokazi making a sliding tackle after just two minutes.

Pirates were on the backfoot early

Pirates had a chance in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Sipho Chaine released Evidence Makgopa but the opposing keeper was quick off his line to keep him out.

Lupopo had two chances against the run of play just before halftime but the Buccaneers cleared their lines to keep the score at 1-0 as the two sides went to the break.

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After the break, the first 20 minutes were dominated by the Congolese side, who had a couple of opportunities which they did not make use of, while Pirates’ first chance of the second half fell to Oswin Appollis, who made a good run on the left flank and fired a low shot which went inches wide.

However, Lupopo took control again and it was not long before they doubled their advantage as Burkina Faso international Dramane Kambou scored the second in the 74th minute to kill off the Soweto giants.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi Orlando Pirates

Do the Buccaneers have a route back?

Pirates pushed numbers forward in a bid to get at least one goal that would have been vital on the away goals rule and they thought they had it four minutes from time. Deon Hotto scored but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up, which left the Buccaneers in a precarious position.

It got from bad to worse for the Soweto giants as in time added on, Lupopo scored the third through Jean Benoit Tukumbane, leaving Pirates’ continental campaign in tatters.

Pirates now face the possibility of an early elimination from the Champions League unless they can beat Lupopo 4-0 in the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, October 25.

Lupopo will need just a draw or even a 2-0 loss to qualify for the Champions League group stages and dump out Pirates, who reached the semi-final last season.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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