Orlando Pirates have been eliminated from the 2025/26 CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round, despite a remarkable effort in the second leg against Saint-Eloi Lupopo. The Buccaneers went into the return fixture with a significant challenge, having suffered a 3-0 defeat away from home in DR Congo during the first leg, necessitating a strong comeback at Orlando Stadium.

In the home leg on Saturday afternoon, Abdeslam Ouaddou's side delivered an impressive performance, securing a 3-0 victory over their Congolese opponents. This result leveled the aggregate score at 3-3, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout to determine who would advance. The goals for Orlando Pirates came from Masindi Nemtajela in the 39th minute, followed by Yanela Mbuthuma's header early in the second half. Oswin Appollis then snatched a dramatic equalizer in the very last minute of the match, unleashing a powerful shot to beat the Lupopo goalkeeper.

However, despite their valiant efforts, the Buccaneers ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout. Saint-Eloi Lupopo emerged as 5-4 victors at Orlando Stadium, marking a historic achievement as they reached the group stages of the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history. For Orlando Pirates, this defeat means they will not participate in this season’s Champions League group stages.

The elimination carries substantial financial ramifications for Orlando Pirates. Had they qualified for the group stages, the club was guaranteed an approximate R12 million payout. However, due to their exit in the preliminary round, the Buccaneers will only earn an estimated R1.8 million from their Champions League campaign, representing a significant financial blow.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed deep disappointment following the match, stating his belief that his side deserved to go through to the group stages. He applauded his team for scoring three goals and making a strong comeback, telling SABC Sport, “The best team today did not go to the group stage of the Champions League, but it’s the reality of football, we congratulate the opponent, they used their weapons.” Ouaddou, who joined Orlando Pirates in July and has already won the MTN8 trophy, now faces the task of refocusing his squad.

Analysis of the team’s performance highlighted several factors contributing to their exit. A perceived lack of a target man in the starting lineup meant the Buccaneers often took shots from wide positions, many of which were off-target. Kamogelo Sebelebele, despite his key role in the MTN8 win, struggled with his performance, failing to deliver quality crosses and exhibiting questionable first touch and passing. Overall poor game management and mentality were also cited as contributing factors to their inability to secure another goal during regular play.

With their CAF Champions League journey concluded, Orlando Pirates will now shift their focus to domestic competitions. Their immediate attention turns to the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to face Magesi FC at home on Tuesday, 28 October, at 19:00. The team will also aim to secure their first Betway Premiership title in 13 years, seeking to bounce back from their continental disappointment.