Orlando Pirates suffered a heavy 3-0 1st leg defeat against Linafoot side Saint Eloi-Lupoo in their 2nd preliminary round CAF Champions League qualifier at Stade Kibassa Maliba on Sunday afternoon.
In the sweltering 33 degrees heat of Kinshsaha at kickoff, it was promised to be a hostile atmosphere against the DR Congo champions at home and they showed the fixture respect with a strong starting line-up.
ALSO READ: Pirates vs Lupopo Starting XI Confirmed
Pirates vs Lupopo Starting XI Confirmed
The likes of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, and Evidence Makgopa, who were part of the Bafana Bafana squad who secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week – formed part of the XI.
While Oswin Appollis was named on the bench – and despite the strength of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, they fell behind as early as the fourth minute when Wanet Kashala opened the scoring.
And after all the early pressure – it took 15 minutes for Pirates to get their first shot on target via Makgopa… which then saw them spring into action and raise intensity – but it only lasted until the half hour mark, where both side’s were notably affected by the heat and the early chances dried up going towards the break.
Kamogelo Sebelebele and Masindi Nemtajela were hauled off at the break for Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis but Lupopo carved the more clear-cut chances and deservedly ended up doubling their lead after 70 minutes via Dramane Kambou before a third was added for the home side by Jean Benoit Tukumbane in the 89th minute.
Pirates will now look to overturn the tie when they host Lupopo at Orlando Stadium next weekend in the return leg.
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