Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League journey ended in heartbreak after losing on penalties to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers produced a stunning 3-0 win in the second leg to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate after losing by the same score in Lubumbashi. Their spirited comeback, however, fell short in the penalty shootout as they were knocked out 5-4 and denied a spot in the group stages.
Orlando Pirates’ comeback ends in heartbreak
Knowing they needed three goals without reply, Pirates started aggressively and dominated possession from the start. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou surprised many by leaving out a recognised striker, opting instead for a mobile front line of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Patrick Maswanganyi.
Masindi Nemtajela opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Emotions flared soon after when Moremi and Lupopo defender were sent off following a scuffle.
In the second half, Pirates kept pressing forward. Substitute Yanela Mbuthuma gave them hope in the 67th minute, heading home Kabelo Dlamini’s corner to make it 3-2 on aggregate. Deep into stoppage time, Appollis found the back of the net with a deflected strike that sent the match into penalties.
Penalty shootout drama
The shootout was tense from the start. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine could not produce a save to keep Pirates in contention, the misses from Deon Hotto and Mbuthuma sealed their fate. Lupopo held their nerve to win 5-4 and move into the next round.
The result ended Pirates’ hopes of another deep run in the CAF Champions League, a year after reaching the semi-finals.
Ouaddou proud of his players’ fight
After the match, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his players for their courage despite the disappointment.
“It wasn’t enough because of the penalties at the end. The guys did the job. It was not easy to come back and score three goals,” he told SABC Sport.
“It’s sad for them because they gave everything. The best team didn’t go through, but we will keep working.”
The Moroccan coach will now aim to rebuild his squad’s confidence as they return to domestic and continental duties.
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Orlando Pirates will shift their focus to domestic competitions and the Carling Knockout Cup. Despite the elimination, their 3-0 win showed character and tactical improvement, giving fans hope for a stronger finish this season.
Their exit is a reminder that in continental football, every moment matters. For the fans in Soweto, the performance offered pride, even without progression.
