Orlando Pirates crashed out of the CAF Champions League after losing 5-4 on penalties against Jwaneng Galaxy on Friday night.
Pirates welcomed Galaxy at Orlando Stadium trailing after losing 1-0 in the first leg in Botswana. They won the second league 1-0 and the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate.
The Buccaneers have been on a poor run of form after suffering three successive losses in all competitions.
Pirates’ loss to Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana, was followed by defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership before losing to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 second leg semi-final.
Although Pirates lost to Stellies, they booked a spot in the MTN8 final on the away-goal rule. The Soweto giants will face Sundowns in the top eight final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 7th of October 2023.
This is the second season in a row that Pirates have made it to the MTN8 final after clinching the trophy last campaign against AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Meanwhile, the last time Pirates were in the CAF interclub competitions was in the 2021/22 season. They went all the way to the CAF Confederations Cup final and lost against RC Berkane of Morroco on penalties.
The Jose-Riveiro-coached team were pushing for an equalising goal against Galaxy but they failed to convert the chances created.
EVIDENCE MAKGOPA’S EQUALISER NOT ENOUGH
Patrick Maswanganyi came close to opening the scoring for Pirates with a good run in the box but his low shot was saved by the Galaxy goalkeeper.
Pirates came out of the half-time break playing on the front foot as they searched for an opening goal of the match.
The Houghton-based side eventually found an equalising goal through second-half substitute Evidence Makgopa.
Kermit Erasmus came close to giving Pirates a lead but he smashed his powerful shot against the crossbar.
Pirates made a late substitution in goals, bringing in Richard Ofori in place of Sipho Chaine.
After a 1-1 draw on aggregate, Galaxy beat Pirates 5-4 on penalties to make it to the CAF Champions League group stages.
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