Orlando Pirates face a monumental task this weekend as they host Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the second leg of their CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round qualifier at the Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers enter the match trailing by a hefty 3-0 deficit from the first leg played in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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To advance to the Champions League group stage, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side must make history; no South African team has ever managed to overturn a three-goal first-leg disadvantage in this competition.
Form Suggests a Possible Miracle
Despite the daunting scoreline, there are signs that an “impossible” comeback might be within reach. Pirates recently had their club-record run of eight straight wins across all competitions snapped, demonstrating their current high-level capability.
Their domestic form is also stellar: they have already lifted the MTN8 title and currently sit third in the Betway Premiership standings with 18 points from eight games. While they are three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, they hold two games in hand. Their most recent victory, a tight 1-0 win over Polokwane City, maintained their momentum.
Coach Ouaddou Backs His Team’s Character
Reflecting on the Polokwane City win, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed confidence in his players’ attacking intent and character, suggesting they have the mental fortitude needed for the massive challenge ahead.
Speaking to IOL, Ouaddou stated: “I have seen great character from my players as they were trying to score goals and go forward. They were not just protecting the goal.”
While acknowledging a recent lack of “efficiency in the box,” he made a hopeful joke about the upcoming clash: “But let’s say, I hope they kept the five goals they didn’t score (against Polokwane) for Saturday.” This suggests the team is focusing on converting their chances and harnessing their potent attack to breach Lupopo’s defense three times or more.
Off-Field Drama Adds Tension
The atmosphere surrounding the match has been further intensified by off-field controversy. Saint-Éloi Lupopo was forced to issue a club statement to firmly and categorically deny allegations of mistreating the Pirates delegation during their stay in Lubumbashi last week.
Part of the statement read: “Following the defamatory allegations circulating in certain media outlets and on social media, Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo wishes to firmly and categorically deny the accusations that it deliberately provided deplorable logistical conditions to the South Africans of Orlando Pirates Football Club during their recent stay in Lubumbashi.”
Kick off at the Orlando Stadium is set for 15h00 later today.