Orlando Pirates will look to take a decisive step towards the CAF Champions League group stages when they face Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of their final preliminary round tie in Lubumbashi on Sunday afternoon.

With coach Abdeslam Ouaddou returning to familiar territory in the DRC, the Buccaneers will rely on their continental experience to overcome one of Africa’s toughest away fixtures and move closer to the group stages.

The match carries added significance for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who spent much of last year in the Democratic Republic of Congo managing AS Vita Club. His familiarity with the local football culture and conditions could prove valuable as Pirates prepare for one of the continent’s more demanding away fixtures.

Pirates enter the contest buoyed by their recent domestic form and proven CAF pedigree. Having reached the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals last season, the Buccaneers are well-versed in navigating tricky away ties on artificial surfaces. A positive result in Lubumbashi would give them a firm platform ahead of the decisive return leg in South Africa as they chase a return to the Champions League group stages.

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Lupopo have built a strong reputation at home, collecting 16 points from a possible 21 during the Linafoot Ligue 1 Championship Phase. This is Lupopo’s fourth consecutive appearance in CAF interclub competitions, reflecting a growing continental consistency.

While their previous Confederation Cup campaigns ended early, their 2022/23 run to the group stage was a significant milestone. Historically, their best Champions League performance came in 1982 when they reached the semifinals.

The Congolese side will once again rely on Cameroonian international goalkeeper Simon Omossola, who kept two clean sheets in the previous round, and experienced midfielder Miché Mika, formerly of TP Mazembe.

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Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images