Bucs Bounce Back: Orlando Pirates Cruise into CAF Champions League Group Stage with Commanding Victory

Orlando Pirates Team Picture during the CAF Champions League 2026/27 2nd Preliminary Round 2nd Leg match between Orlando Pirates and African Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on 23 October 2026 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates responded in emphatic fashion, securing their place in the CAF Champions League group stage with a dominant performance and convincing victory.

The Soweto giants took a slender advantage into the second-leg at home after 1-0 in Namibia last week, but they were too good for the visitors on Friday night to make sure they will join the continent’s elite club’s in the tournament.

Pirates made a quick start to the contest and were rewarded in the 17th minute when Thapelo Mokobodi found the back of the net after good build-up play.

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It was 2-0 just before the halftime interval when Simphiwe Masilela provided the assist to put Evidence Makgopa through and the striker made no mistake with his finish.

Makgopa then turned provider after the interval, the Bafana Bafana forward setting up Mpho Padime, who scored his first goal for the club to extend the lead to 3-0.

Makgopa then wrapped up the scoring on a successful evening to complete his brace with 10 minutes of the contest remaining.

Pirates will be South Africa’s sole representative in Africa’s elite club football tournament after Mamelodi Sundowns crashed out on away goals.