Orlando Pirates produced one of their most spirited continental performances in recent memory, mounting a spectacular comeback that ultimately ended in agonizing defeat via a penalty shootout against Congolese side Lupopo in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The Impossible Comeback
After a crushing 3–0 defeat in the first leg away in Lubumbashi, the Buccaneers returned to their home stadium knowing they faced a monumental task.
They needed a perfect storm of early goals, relentless pressure, and unwavering focus—and for 90 minutes, they delivered.
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The necessary fast start came just before halftime. Following a string of missed opportunities from attackers like Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, and Kamohelo Sebelele, the breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute.
Masindi Nematenjela provided the spark, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box that finally breached the Lupopo defence, making the score 3–1 on aggregate.
That being said, the intensity of the tie boiled over almost immediately after the goal. A heated exchange resulted in red cards for Pirates’ Tshepang Moremi and Lupopo’s Chris Sumbu Maniania, leaving both sides to contest the remainder of the dramatic match with 10 men.
The numerical parity did not slow the hosts’ momentum. Just four minutes into the second half, substitute Yanela Mbuthuma doubled the lead, pulling the aggregate score back to a tense 3–2.
As the clock ticked deep into stoppage time, the impossible seemed within reach. Throwing everything forward, Pirates were rewarded when Oswin Appollis found the back of the net to complete the sensational comeback.
His crucial strike levelled the aggregate score at 3–3, sending the match straight to a penalty shootout and keeping the crowd on the edge of its collective seat.
Cruel Twist of Fate
The sheer mental and physical exhaustion of the comeback, however, proved to be Pirates’ undoing from the spot.
The drama intensified as both teams matched each other through the initial five kicks. But the moment of heartbreak arrived in sudden death.
After Deon Hotto missed his attempt, the pressure mounted on the subsequent shooters.
The decisive moment saw Yanela Mbuthuma fail to convert the crucial penalty, allowing Lupopo to clinch the shootout 5–4 and progress to the lucrative CAF Champions League group stages.
Despite the valiant 3–0 win in regulation time, Pirates’ continental journey ended in the most agonizing fashion.
Guy Bukasa: The Coaching Mastermind
The architect of this major upset is Lupopo’s coach, Guy Bukasa. His tactical vision and fearless leadership were the key factors in steering the DRC outfit past the South African giants.
Bukasa’s achievements transcend mere results; he has demonstrated that African coaches can excel on the biggest continental stages.
From eliminating Al Merriekh in the previous round to masterminding the downfall of Orlando Pirates, his journey has been defined by courage, unshakable belief, and strategic acumen.
He didn’t just ensure Lupopo’s qualification for the group stage; he made a resounding statement about the quality and capability of coaching talent across the continent, deserving of every accolade and recognition.