Orlando Pirates’ Chances of Qualifying for CAF Champions League Group Stage After Defeat

• Orlando Pirates have found themselves in a tight corner after their heavy defeat against Saint Eloi-Lupopo in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round
• The Buccaneers are on the verge of not making it into the group stage of the competition, as they will need to win by a four-goal difference in the second leg to qualify
• A football analyst, while chatting with Briefly News, rated the Premier Soccer League giants' chances of qualifying, while also explaining what they need to do in the second leg

Orlando Pirates suffered a major setback in their quest to secure a place in the CAF Champions League group phase as they stumbled to a defeat against Saint Eloi-Lupopo in the first leg of their second preliminary tie.

The Soweto giants made it to the semi-finals last season, losing to Pyramids FC, but they now face an uphill task to move to the next round after being thumped 3-0 by Lupopo in the first leg in Kinshasa.

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Abdeslam Ouaddou and his team have been told how they can overturn the 3-0 defeat and move to the next round.

CAFCL: Pirates' chances of qualifying

Football analyst Uche Anuma has shared his thoughts with Briefly News on Pirates' chances of qualifying for the CAF Champions League group stage after losing to Lupopo.

He admitted that it would be a difficult task for Ouaddou's team, but he outlined what they need to do in the second leg to stand a chance of advancing to the next round.

"It would be difficult for Pirates if we are being honest because three goals are too much; they should have defended well and avoided the last goal scored by Lupopo," he said.

"It's not all over as there's still a second leg, and I am sure Lupopo will want to come to Orlando Stadium to defend their three-goal lead, but the Bucs need to score an early goal to stand a chance.

"An early goal will destabilise any form of defensive tactics their opponents are planning to use."

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Anuma went on to mention players who should make the starting lineup for the second leg in South Africa.

"I think it is time we start seeing Mabasa starting games frequently; this super sub gimmick is not sitting well with me," he added.

"Mabasa and Oswin Appollis should be the first names on the list next weekend because they need early goals to get back into the contest.

"Thalente Mbatha should also be in the line-up, with the defence needing to be vigilant throughout the match, as Lupopo will mostly depend on counterattacks, with the most important part of their game being to defend their three-goal advantage.

"You can never give up in football as it is not mathematics, so I still think Pirates stand a good chance of qualifying for the group stage of the competition."

Orlando Pirates next match is against Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, before switching focus to the second leg of the CAF Champions League against Saint Eloi-Lupopo.

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Why Mabasa should start over Makgopa

Briefly News also reported that a Pirates legend has explained why Mabasa is best suited for the Bucs' style of play over Evidence Makgopa.

Makgopa is preferred ahead of Mabasa, with the latter having better stats in terms of goals scored.

Source: Briefly News