Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League campaign came to a crushing end at
the Orlando Stadium, as they were eliminated 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out by
FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo after a dramatic 3-0 victory on the night saw the tie
finish 3-3 on aggregate.
Needing to overturn a first-leg deficit, the Buccaneers dominated from the
outset but struggled to break down a resolute Lupopo defence. The deadlock
was finally broken in the 38th minute when Masindi Nemtajela capitalized on
a loose pass, driving forward to fire home from the edge of the box.
The goal was immediately followed by a scuffle that resulted in red cards
for Pirates’ Tshepang Moremi and Lupopo’s Chris Sumbu Maniania, reducing
both sides to ten men.
Pirates’ pressure intensified in the second half. The introduction of
substitutes Kabelo Dlamini and Yanela Mbuthuma proved pivotal, with the
latter heading in a Dlamini corner in the 67th minute to bring the
aggregate score to 3-2.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the Buccaneers completed their
comeback. A deflected effort from the lively Oswin Appollis found the net in
the 94th minute, sending the match to a penalty shoot-out.
However, the fairy-tale finish eluded the Soweto giants. After a tense
sudden-death shoot-out, it was Mbuthuma who saw his decisive spot-kick
saved, sending the Congolese side through and sealing a devastating
conclusion for the home side.
Lineups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sebelele, Seema, Mbokazi, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela,
Mbule, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis.
Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Lebitso, Ndaba, Mariko, Dlamini, Dansin, Mbuthuma,
Mabasa.
FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo: Medjo, Maniania, Bakulu, Ilongo, Muzungu, Mbelu,
Munganga, Muyaya, Amongo, Mvuezolo, Ndundu.
Subs: Mampuya, Kalonji, Mwine, Mvuka, Mungongo, Mubiala, Mwenze, Muyembe,
Nkulu.
