Orlando Pirates FC secured a narrow 1-0 away win over African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Saturday. Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute at the Botswana National Stadium, handing the South African side a slender advantage ahead of the return fixture.
Moremi's fourth goal of the season in six appearances proved the difference in a match played in challenging heat, with temperatures reportedly reaching 35 to 36 degrees Celsius. The victory extends Orlando Pirates' winning run to two games across all competitions, following their 3-0 league win over TS Galaxy last week. The Buccaneers currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 22 points from eight matches, just one point off the top. Their league record stands at seven wins and a draw, with a recent run of four wins and one loss in their last five matches. They have been prolific domestically, scoring 19 goals and conceding only one for a formidable goal difference of plus eighteen.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou stressed that his team's mission is far from complete. He said the squad had prepared for the difficult conditions and that mental readiness was a key part of their development. Ouaddou insisted the tie remains wide open and warned against any complacency ahead of the second leg, stating that winning at home is an important target for everyone at the club.
With the one-goal cushion, the focus now shifts to Orlando Stadium, where the second leg will be played on Friday evening. A place in the lucrative CAF Champions League group stages is on the line. Orlando Pirates will then turn their attention back to domestic duties, hosting rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League on 31 October. Kaizer Chiefs are currently fifth in the table, setting up a key derby. The club's top scorer this season is T. Moremi with four goals.
African Stars coach Güther remains defiant ahead of Friday's second leg. "We are not down and out," he said. "We still have another 90 minutes." He praised his two South African players, defender Liyema Dopholo and midfielder Liam April, for their discipline and performance. Orlando Pirates, who are second in the Premier Soccer League and one point off the top, host the return fixture at Orlando Stadium.
Orlando Pirates host African Stars in the second leg on Friday, 23 October, kick-off 20:00 at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers hold a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, where Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal. The club's verified data shows they are second in the Premier Soccer League, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with 19 goals scored and just one conceded this season. Their last starting XI, from the 3-0 win over TS Galaxy, featured Boitumelo Radiopane and Simphiwe Masilela, who were both on the scoresheet in that match.
