The Buccaneers’ bold fightback ends in a painful CAF exit. Image: Gallo Images.
(The Post News)- In a thrilling penalty shootout yesterday afternoon at a crowded Orlando Stadium, St Éloi Lupopo defeated the Orlando Pirates 5–4, ending their dreams of making it to the CAF Champions League group stage.
In Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Buccaneers valiantly overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit to win 3-0 in regulation time and force a shootout.
The Pirates began the game with outstanding intensity and purpose, controlling possession and pinning Lupopo deep in their half thanks to a boisterous home crowd. Masindi Nemtajela calmly scored the first goal halfway through the first half, rewarding their perseverance. Tension increased when Tshepang Moremi of the Pirates and a player from Lupopo were sent off for misbehaviour, reducing both teams to ten men.
Pirates continued to press, and in the 67th minute, Yanela Mbuthuma overcame the defense to head in a wonderfully placed corner from Kabelo Dlamini, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead and sending the crowd into raptures. Gayton McKenzie, the sports minister, was also present.
Late in stoppage time, Pirates’ perseverance paid off once more as Lupopo changed to a defensive formation. Oswin Appollis’ low strike into the net made it 3-0, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3 and necessitating penalties.
Lupopo ultimately maintained their composure throughout the shootout, winning in sudden death to move on to the next round. Despite a heroic and determined recovery, pirates were devastated and lamented lost chances.
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