Orlando Pirates face African Stars in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Saturday afternoon, with a place in the group stages up for grabs.
The first leg takes place at the Botswana International Stadium before the two teams meet again in the return leg at Orlando Stadium a week later.
The Buccaneers know that a positive result away from home would put them in a strong position to progress to the next round of the competition.
In their last four attempts to reach the CAF Champions League group stages, Orlando Pirates have managed to succeed only once. Their struggles in front of goal and inconsistent away form have been among their biggest weaknesses over the years.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be aware that improving the team’s finishing could prove crucial as the Mayfair-based side look to overcome their recent struggles in the competition.
How Orlando Pirates Can Reach the Next Round
A victory over African Stars across the two legs would secure Orlando Pirates’ place in the next round. However, the result of Saturday’s first leg could have a significant impact on their chances of progressing.
A 2-0 victory away from home would put the Buccaneers in a commanding position ahead of the return leg. They could then approach the home fixture with greater confidence, knowing that African Stars would need to score at least twice to overturn the deficit.
A 1-1 draw in the first leg would also leave Orlando Pirates in a reasonable position, although they would still need to finish the job at home. That could prove tricky if the Namibian side manage to frustrate the Buccaneers in front of their supporters.
A goalless draw away from home would leave everything to play for in the second leg, with Pirates needing a victory to guarantee qualification.
Ultimately, Ouaddou’s men will need to be clinical in front of goal and avoid costly mistakes if they are to take another step towards the CAF Champions League group stages.
