Pirates’ winning run ends with heavy defeat in Lubumbashi

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Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League hopes suffered a major setback on Sunday as they were beaten 3–0 by St Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie at Stade Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi.

The result ended Pirates’ 10-match winning streak in all competitions, halting their momentum at a key point in the campaign.

The Buccaneers travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo on the back of a strong domestic run and buoyed by several players’ impressive performances during Bafana Bafana World Cup qualifier. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made three changes to the side that defeated Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership, with Sipho Mbule replacing the injured Relebohile Mofokeng and Nkosinathi Sibisi returning to central defence.

Lupopo made a fast start, setting a high tempo and testing the visitors’ defensive structure early on. Pirates’ best opportunity of the first half came in the 26th minute when Sebelebele broke down the right flank, beating two defenders before delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded his teammates.

Despite gaining more composure later in the half, Pirates went into the interval trailing by a single goal. Ouaddou responded by introducing Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis at the start of the second half to add more attacking impetus. The visitors pushed forward after the restart, dominating possession and pressing aggressively in search of an equaliser, but Lupopo’s defensive organisation held firm before the hosts capitalised late to extend their advantage.

Pirates now face a significant challenge ahead of the return leg as they aim to keep their Champions League ambitions alive.

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

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