Orlando Pirates suffer heavy defeat to St Eloi Lupopo in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League ambitions took a hit on Sunday afternoon as they fell 3–0 to St Eloi Lupopo in their first-leg preliminary round second stage clash at the Stade Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, DRC.

The defeat also brought an end to Pirates’ impressive 10-game winning streak in all competitions, halting their momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

The Buccaneers had arrived in the DRC brimming with belief after a stellar run of form and the confidence of seeing several players shine for Bafana Bafana during the recent international break. But the hosts wasted no time asserting themselves, setting an intense tempo from the opening whistle.

It took just five minutes for Wanet Kashala to open the scoring, firing a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Sipho Chaine and sent the home fans into raptures.

The early goal rattled Pirates, who struggled to adjust to the slick, artificial surface and the relentless pressing of Les Cheminots (The Railmen) in the searing Lubumbashi heat.

For head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, it was a challenging afternoon against familiar foes. The Moroccan mentor, who previously worked in the DRC with AS Vita Club, knew the conditions would be difficult but could not have anticipated such a sluggish start from his team.

He made three changes from the side that beat Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership, with Sipho Mbule coming in for the injured Relebohile Mofokeng, while Nkosinathi Sibisi returned to the heart of defence.

Pirates’ best chance of the opening half arrived in the 26th minute through Sebelebele, who glided past two defenders down the right flank before whipping in a dangerous cross that narrowly missed its intended targets. Despite a more composed spell later in the half, the Buccaneers entered the break trailing by a goal.

Ouaddou introduced Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis at halftime in search of more attacking spark. Pirates began the second half with intent, controlling possession and pressing high as they hunted for an equaliser.

But in their pursuit of a goal, they left gaps at the back — and Lupopo made them pay. In the 70th minute, Dramane Kambou capitalised on a rebound after his free kick struck the wall, smashing home from close range to double the hosts’ lead and seal a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg.

The hosts then gave themselves an unassailable cushion heading to South Africa as they added a third in stoppage time. Despite late efforts from Makgopa and Appollis, Pirates couldn’t find a breakthrough against a disciplined Lupopo backline marshalled by Cameroonian goalkeeper Simon Omossola, who produced a flawless display.

The result leaves Pirates with plenty to do in the return leg at Orlando Stadium next Saturday.

Before that, they return to domestic duties with a midweek Betway Premiership clash against Polokwane City on Wednesday — an opportunity to reset before reigniting their continental charge.