By Bhekizenzo Zonele
Orlando Pirates were the only South African side to win their CAF second preliminary round first-leg fixture over the weekend, while Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a draw and Kaizer Chiefs suffered an away defeat.
Pirates defeated Namibia’s African Stars 1-0 at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, with Tshepang Moremi scoring the winner in the 75th minute.
The result gives the Buccaneers a slender advantage heading into Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg in Soweto, where they will be looking to secure a place in the group stage.
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The victory continued Pirates’ recovery following their 2-0 defeat to Sundowns in the MTN8 final on 10 October. They also beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership last week.
Pirates will be determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment when they were eliminated at the same qualifying stage by DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo, losing 5-4 on penalties after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, defending CAF Champions League champions Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Angola’s Wiliete SC on Sunday.
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The Tshwane side, who won the continental title in May, will now need a home victory in the return leg to secure their place in the group stage and keep their title defence on track.
Sundowns entered the fixture in strong domestic form, having beaten Pirates in the MTN8 final and Richards Bay 4-1 in the Betway Premiership last week.
Kaizer Chiefs face the toughest task of the three South African clubs after losing 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg encounter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday.
Alassane Diarra scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, leaving Amakhosi needing to overturn a one-goal deficit in the return fixture.
The defeat extended Chiefs’ winless run to four matches in all competitions, comprising three draws and one loss.
Chiefs will host Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
