Orlando Pirates bow out of TotaLEnergies CAF Champions League despite spirited fightback
Orlando Pirates’ TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign came to a heartbreaking end after losing 5–4 on penalties to St Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, despite producing a spirited comeback to win the second leg 3–0.
The result saw the tie finish level on aggregate after Lupopo’s commanding 3–0 first-leg victory in Lubumbashi a week earlier, forcing a tense shootout that ended in disappointment for the South African giants.
Their relentless push paid off with three unanswered goals that restored parity in the tie and sent the contest into penalties, raising belief that a memorable turnaround was within reach.
Facing a mountain to climb, the Buccaneers took to the field in Soweto under intense pressure, needing nothing less than a three-goal margin to keep their continental hopes alive.
Backed by a raucous home crowd, Pirates showed early determination and attacking intent as they set about dismantling the deficit.
However, the drama of the shootout proved unforgiving. Pirates held their nerve for much of the sequence but faltered at the decisive moment, allowing the Congolese visitors to seal a famous qualification for the group stage.
Early promise and growing tension
The home side made key changes, recalling Deon Hotto and Sipho Mbule as Pirates began with intent, dominating early possession.
Despite their attacking momentum, Lupopo’s defence stood firm and nearly struck first when Wanet Kashala forced a fine save from Sipho Chaine midway through the first half.
Pirates responded five minutes before the interval through Masindi Nemtajela, who surged forward and fired home to give the hosts hope.
But the mood quickly shifted when tempers flared, leading to a red card for Tshepang Moremi for the home team and also a sending off for the visitors.
Late drama and heartbreak
The Soweto outfit continued to press in the second half, with Oswin Appollis and Mbuthuma both testing the visiting goalkeeper.
The South Africans extended their lead when Mbuthuma headed in a corner to spark hopes for the home fans.
Pirates appeared to have sealed a comeback when Appollis’ late strike made it 3–0 on the day, forcing the tie into penalties.
However, in the decisive shootout, Mbuthuma missed the final kick as Lupopo held their nerve to advance to the group stage — leaving Pirates to reflect on another painful continental exit.
For the Congolese side, it marks a historic qualification, while Pirates will now turn their focus back to domestic competition after another CAF campaign cut short by narrow margins.