Will South Africa’s champions make it through to the main CAF Champions League tournament?
This question will be answered tonight (23 October) after their respective second-leg matches.
Here’s the latest as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns chase continental glory this season.
CAF Champions League fixture details
Second preliminary round – 23 October
Orlando Pirates vs African Stars: Orlando Stadium, Soweto (20:00)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wiliete SC: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (20:00)
Details are correct according to the Orlando Pirates website and the Mamelodi Sundowns website, respectively.
Orlando Pirates vs African Stars
Pirates carry a 1-0 lead from the first leg on 17 October, thanks to a late Tshepang Moremi goal.
While the Buccaneers are likely to chase a win, a low-scoring draw could be enough to advance.
African Stars are chasing a first appearance in the CAF Champions League and remain hopeful.
According to The Namibian, coach Gerald Guther said his team had not been eliminated yet.
“We still have another 90 minutes to go, and we are definitely planning to give it everything.”
On the other side, according to Times Live, Pirates are determined to reach the CAF CL group stage.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou previously called advancing from the preliminary round a “big target.”
Pirates were eliminated at this stage last season, after losing to Congolese club Lupopo on penalties.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wiliete SC
Sundowns and Wiliete head into the second leg deadlocked after a goalless away draw last week.
As predicted, the defending champions are being pushed to the limit by their Angolan opposition.
Coach Miguel Cardoso admitted that his team needed to be stronger, as cited by Africa Soccer.
“We need to be on the level of the team that wants to state itself in the Champions League.”
Sundowns are also still grappling with their injury list, with Teboho Mokoena injured in the first leg.
For Wiliete, former Pirates winger Gilberto and his teammate Mabululu are the biggest threats.
The Angolan club was knocked out in last year’s CAF CL preliminaries and will be eager to improve.
However, Sundowns have developed a habit of leaving it to the second round to get across the line.
WILL PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS ADVANCE IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
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