Orlando Pirates’ hopes of another deep run in the CAF Champions League were crushed at home on Saturday, as they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Buccaneers staged an incredible comeback to win 3-0 on the day, overturning their first-leg deficit and forcing penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw. But once again, the drama of a shootout proved cruel, as Lupopo held their nerve to advance 5-4.
A comeback filled with belief
Needing three goals to stay alive, Pirates attacked with intent from the start. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for pace and movement up front rather than a traditional striker, trusting Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Tshepang Moremi to lead the line.
After waves of possession, Pirates finally found a breakthrough in the 38th minute. Midfielder Masindi Nemtajela picked off a loose ball and drilled home from the edge of the box, sparking belief among the home crowd. But that joy was quickly tempered by chaos, as Moremi and Lupopo’s defender were both shown red cards after a scuffle.
Momentum builds in Soweto
The Buccaneers refused to let up. Substitute Yanela Mbuthuma made an immediate impact in the second half, heading in Kabelo Dlamini’s pinpoint corner to bring the aggregate score to 3-2.
With time running out, Pirates kept piling on the pressure. The moment finally came deep into injury time when Appollis’ long-range shot took a deflection and flew past Lupopo keeper Simon Omossola, sending the stadium into a frenzy and the tie to penalties.
Agony from the spot
The penalty shootout was tense and unpredictable. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine could not pull off a save, misses from Deon Hotto and Mbuthuma proved costly. Lupopo stayed composed to claim a 5-4 victory and a place in the next round.
The defeat leaves Pirates out of Africa’s top club competition earlier than expected, a blow considering their semi-final run last season.
Ouaddou praises effort despite exit
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed pride in his players’ fighting spirit despite the heartbreak.
“It’s part of the game,” Ouaddou told SABC Sport. “We did the job. It was not easy to come back and score three goals. I have nothing but respect for the players’ effort. The best team didn’t go through tonight, but we keep working.”
His words reflected the mood across Soweto, pride mixed with pain after a performance that showed courage but fell short of reward.
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Orlando Pirates now turn their attention to domestic competitions and the Carling Knockout Cup. The display at Orlando Stadium will serve as both inspiration and warning: dominance means little without precision at the decisive moments.
For the fans, it was another reminder of football’s thin line between triumph and tragedy.
