Orlando Pirates were eliminated from the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to St Éloi Lupopo, despite a 3-0 second-leg victory at Orlando Stadium on October 25, 2025. The aggregate score finished 3-3 following a 3-0 first-leg loss in Lubumbashi. The South African side's spirited comeback ended in heartbreak as they faltered in the decisive shootout.
The second preliminary round tie between Orlando Pirates and St Éloi Lupopo reached a dramatic conclusion at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Pirates, trailing 3-0 from the first leg on October 19, 2025, in Lubumbashi, mounted a strong challenge backed by a passionate home crowd. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou started without a recognized striker, opting for an attacking trio of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Patrick Maswanganyi, with Deon Hotto and Sipho Mbule recalled to the lineup.
First-Half Drama
Pirates dominated possession but struggled to break through early. In the 30th minute, Wanet Kashala or Baslafa Amongo forced a fine save from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The breakthrough came in the 38th or 39th minute when Masindi Nemtajela intercepted a loose pass and drilled a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, making it 1-0 (1-3 aggregate). Celebrations turned chaotic at halftime, with red cards issued to Moremi for Pirates and Chris Sumbu Maniania for Lupopo after a scuffle involving a headbutt on Nemtajela, reducing both teams to 10 men.
Second-Half Comeback and Heartbreak
Halftime substitutions saw Kabelo Dlamini replace Mbule and Yanela Mbuthuma come on for Nemtajela. Pirates continued their pressure, with Lupopo goalkeeper Simon Omossola or Omossola Medjo making key saves around the 60th minute. The second goal arrived in the 67th or 68th minute: Dlamini's corner was flicked on by Mbuthuma at the near post and deflected into the net off a defender, extending the lead to 2-0 (2-3 aggregate).
As five minutes of stoppage time ticked down, Appollis created space on the edge of the box in the 94th or 95th minute. His left-footed shot deflected off a defender and wrong-footed the goalkeeper, leveling the aggregate at 3-3 and forcing penalties.
In the shootout, Pirates held firm until sudden death. Deon Hotto's effort was saved, and Mbuthuma's final kick went wide or was saved by Medjo, handing Lupopo a 5-4 win and their first-ever group-stage qualification.
Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa praised his team's resilience: "We knew their strengths and it showed. They kept the ball, they were very good, and we were sharp, especially in transition." Ouaddou reflected on the effort: "I didn’t change anything, I just trust the work that I am doing... It’s a teamwork." Pirates now refocus on domestic competitions after this narrow continental exit.