Orlando Pirates suffered a 3-0 defeat to DRC side Saint Eloi Lupopo in their first leg of the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round at Stade Kibassa Maliba on Sunday afternoon.
The match was fascinating from the start as both teams wanted to break the deadlock in the opening minutes of the showdown.
The hosts were lucky enough to open the scoring as early as three minutes into the game with a goal from Wanet Kashala.
After the goal by the home side, the pressure remained on the Buccaneers, who were made to defend from the start of the contest.
As the half wore on, an indirect free kick was awarded to Pirates. Deon Hotto, Sipho Mbule and Masindi Nemtajela each got touches on the ball. This was before Makgopa fired a shot, which was comfortably dealt with by the opponent’s goalkeeper.
However, Lupopo managed to redeem themselves and took control of the match once again.
SAINT ELOI LUPOPO LEADING ORLANDO PIRATES AT THE HALF-TIME BREAK
The half-time whistle blew with Lupopo leading the Sea Robbers 1-0 after utilising their home ground advantage.
In the second stanza, Lupopo continued where they left off in the first half.
As the second half progressed, Pirates tried everything in their power to put in some hard work. And the ‘Happy People’ started to find something of a foothold in the match.
Oswin Appollis pulled an attack from the left flank and fired a low shot, which went inches wide of the target. This was in the 66th minute of the showdown.
But just 20 minutes before the game could come to an end, Dramane Kambou added to the scoreline for Lupopo.
In the stoppage time, Lupopo scored the third goal courtesy of Jean Tukumbane. This gives the DRC side a 3-0 goal advantage coming into the second leg next week.
The final whistle blew with Lupopo claiming a convincing win against Pirates at home.
The return leg between Pirates and the DRC side will be played on Saturday, 25 October. This game will be staged at Orlando Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:00.
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