Orlando Pirates on Brink of CAF Champions League Exit After Heavy Defeat in Kinshasa
- Orlando Pirates stumbled in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash against Saint Eloi-Lupopo on Sunday afternoon
- The Premier Soccer League giants were thrashed with three unreplied goals, as they look set to exit the competition
- Pirates fans took to social media to make their intentions known about the performance of their team
Orlando Pirates are on the verge of a CAF Champions League exit after suffering a heavy defeat against Saint Eloi-Lupopo in their 2nd preliminary round CAF Champions League qualifier at Stade Kibassa Maliba on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The Premier Soccer League side stumbled to a 3-0 defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo champions in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
Goals from Wanet Kashala, Dramane Kambou, and Jean Benoit Tukumbane gave the home side the deserved win over the Soweto giants.
The PSL side will need to defeat Saint Eloi-Lupopo 4-0 in the second leg at Orlando Stadium to stand a chance of qualifying for the group stage of the competition.
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CAFCL: Pirates thumped by Saint Eloi-Lupopo
Several Bafana Bafana stars who recently helped secure South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, and Evidence Makgopa, were all named in the starting lineup.
Pirates' summer signing Oswin Appollis didn't make the starting lineup, as Abdeslam Ouaddou decided to start him on the bench, but that didn't pay off for the Moroccan coach, as his team fell behind in the fourth minute courtesy of a goal from Wanet Kashala.
After enduring early pressure, it took Orlando Pirates 15 minutes to register their first shot on target, which came from Makgopa.
Kamogelo Sebelebele and Masindi Nemtajela were substituted at halftime, with Thalente Mbatha and Appollis taking their places, but it was still the home side that found the back of the net to double their lead through Dramane Kambou in the 70th minute.
Source: Instagram
In the closing stages of the match, Pirates were hit with more goals as Jean Benoit Tukumbane capped off a good afternoon for the host with a third goal in the 89th minute.
The win sparked various reactions from the Soweto giants' supporters on social media.
MT_Ntsonda wrote:
"We not gonna blame anyone about this loss, y’all were happy about the squad depth when y’all saw Sibisi’s name on the team sheet. We need to stay together & be united! Whether we win or lose, we should remain as ONE. It’s not over until the 2nd leg it’s done, the boys needs us 🤝
ZGuciwe said:
"The coach's inexperience showed in this game. Starting midfield was weak for an away game in Congo, Sibisi returning in an away game 😏. Mbule & Moremi playing 90, while semi finalist warm the bench. Tito should have started in place of Moremi kodwa ke🤷🏾♂️"
Michael BigM Sithole commented:
"Thank you Boys for spoiling our weekend & it’s official that I’m missing work tomorrow as i won’t be able to deal with the noise from @KaizerChiefs & @Masandawana fans….And this thing of “we’re gonna deal with them eSgodini”, count me out."
Doobsie_Dons reacted:
"That Congolese team was robbing us comfortably in their backyard without any broadcast of the match. We even have a disallowed goal. How can CAF allow such nonsense? Win or lose, we want to see our boys playing. Same nonsense that happened to Senzo Meyiwa's Pirates at DRC😪."
Muzi Gatsheni added:
"Experimenting in the most important competition makes no sense whatsoever. Seema and Mbokazi had been great keeping clean sheets but all of a sudden one is dropped. Appollis is one of the best wingers in the country but somehow he is benched. Mbatha is also benched ayi."
Pirates named among favourites to win league
Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates were named among the favourite clubs expected to win the Betway Premiership in the 2025-26 season.
The Soweto giants finished second last season on the league table behind Mamelodi Sundowns, and have what it takes to win the title this campaign.
Source: Briefly News
