Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League hopes were left hanging by a thread
after a devastating 3-0 first-leg defeat to FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in
Lubumbashi on Sunday. The heavy loss leaves the Buccaneers with a
monumental task to overturn the deficit in the return leg in South Africa.
Despite fielding a strong side that included Bafana Bafana internationals
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Evidence Makgopa, and Sipho Mbule, the Soweto giants
were outplayed by the energetic Congolese outfit, who capitalized on a
fast start and defensive errors.
Lupopo’s Dream Start and Pirates’ Stutter
The Buccaneers’ confidence, built on an eight-match winning streak, was
shattered early. Congolese forward Ramos Kashala Wanet fired the home side
into the lead within the opening five minutes, stunning the visitors.
Pirates struggled to find their rhythm in response. Their best chance of
the first half fell to Evidence Makgopa, but his effort was well saved by
goalkeeper Ommossola, ensuring Lupopo maintained their lead into the
break.
Second-Half Changes Fail to Prevent Collapse
Seeking a response, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a double substitution at
halftime, introducing Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha. Appollis nearly
made an immediate impact, seeing a long-range effort whistle just wide.
However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished in the 70th minute when
substitute Dramane Kambou pounced on a loose ball in the box to double
Lupopo’s advantage. The defeat was compounded in the dying minutes as Jean
Benoît Tukumban added a third, giving the Congolese side a commanding lead
to protect in the second leg.
A Mountain to Climb
The 3-0 scoreline leaves Pirates’ continental dreams in serious peril.
They will need nothing short of a historic performance in the return leg
to keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.
Line-Ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Lebitso, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Nduli, Mbule,
Nemtajela (Appollis 46′), Sebelebele (Mbatha 46′), Moremi, Makgopa.
Subs: Dladla, Seema, Ndlozi, Ndaba, Mariko, Maswanganyi, Mabasa.
