CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates' Group Stage Hopes in Jeopardy

Orlando Pirates struggle to overturn 3-goal deficit

Orlando Pirates face an uphill battle to reach the CAF Champions League group stage after a 3-0 defeat to St Eloi Lupopo. Can they overcome the deficit?

Orlando Pirates face a daunting task in their CAF Champions League campaign after suffering a 3-0 defeat to St Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of their second-round tie. Overturning a three-goal deficit at home will be a tough ask for the South African giants.

The Buccaneers now have to do the impossible: become the first South African club to overturn a 3-0 deficit in a CAF Champions League match. The odds are stacked against them, but they'll be hoping for a miraculous turnaround at Orlando Stadium on October 25.

A spot in the lucrative group phase is on the line for Orlando Pirates, and elimination would mean a significant financial loss. The team suffered a 3-0 defeat to FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in the first leg, making their task even tougher.

Sunday's loss marks the seventh time a South African club has conceded three or more goals away from home in a continental competition knockout tie.

Kaizer Chiefs' Champions League campaign in 2005 ended in disappointment, with a 4-0 loss to Tunisia's Espérance in the third round, despite a 2-1 win in the return leg.

In the 2014 CAF Champions League, Kaizer Chiefs faced AS Vita Club and suffered a 3-0 defeat in Kinshasa. Although they won the return leg 2-0 at home, it was not enough to overturn the deficit.

Cape Town City's 2022-23 Champions League campaign saw them struggle against Petro Atlético. Despite being at home, they lost 3-0 in the first leg of the second-round clash. The return leg in Luanda didn't fare any better, with Petro Atlético winning 1-0.

☠️ FT | @fcsteloilupopo 3 - 0 @orlandopirates

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#TotalEnergiesCAFCL #OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/C5ADnkbHRk

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 19, 2025

In the 2005 Confederation Cup, SuperSport United faced a tough matchup against Nigeria's Dolphins. They lost 4-1 in the first leg of the fourth-round tie and couldn't overcome the deficit, managing only a 2-2 draw at home in the second leg.

Bidvest Wits' 2016 Confederation Cup campaign was marked by a disappointing performance against Azam of Tanzania. Fielding a second-string side, they suffered a 3-0 loss in the away leg. Despite a spirited effort, they were beaten 4-3 at home in the return leg.

Jomo Cosmos' 1997 African Cup Winners' Cup campaign was ended by Mansoura of Egypt. After losing 3-0 away in the quarterfinals, Cosmos fought hard in the return leg but could only manage a 2-2 draw, not enough to overcome the deficit.

While overturning a three-goal deficit is a tall order, South African clubs have shown resilience in the face of adversity. Notably, SuperSport United came back from a 2-0 deficit against Lupopo in the 2005 Confederation Cup, winning the return leg 2-0 and advancing via penalties. Other clubs, including Black Leopards, Santos, and Mamelodi Sundowns, have also successfully overturned two-goal deficits in knockout ties.