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EZEKIEL PHALANA
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Orlando Pirates fans have every reason to celebrate after the Buccaneers secured an emphatic 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars to advance in the CAF Champions League, while South African rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns suffered disappointing exits from continental competition.
Pirates delivered a commanding performance at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 23 October 2026, defeating African Stars 4-0 in the second leg after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg. The convincing result sparked excitement among the Buccaneers faithful, who will be eager to see their team continue its pursuit of continental glory.
However, the mood was very different in the Kaizer Chiefs camp. Despite beating Zambia’s Red Arrows 1-0 in the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Amakhosi were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, with Red Arrows winning 3-2 on penalties. The outcome left Chiefs supporters disappointed after their team came close to completing a comeback.
Meanwhile, defending CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns were also eliminated following a 1-1 draw against Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld. With the first leg ending goalless, Wiliete advanced on the away-goals rule, delivering a major upset and bringing Sundowns’ continental title defence to an unexpected end.
The contrasting results have created mixed emotions among South African football supporters. While Orlando Pirates fans celebrate their team’s impressive progress, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns must turn their attention back to domestic competition and reflect on disappointing continental campaigns.
For the Buccaneers, the mission continues as they look to build on their strong performance and carry South African hopes forward in the CAF Champions League