Former Chippa United boss Luc Eymael says Orlando Pirates will need a miracle to edge out Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the second leg of the CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers were thumped 3-0 in DR Congo last weekend and will need to beat the Congolese outfit 4-0 to progress to the group stages of the competition.
The two teams meet again at the Orlando Stadium this Saturday afternoon at 15:00.
Eymael, who recently got axed at Chippa, coached St Lupopo and gave his thoughts on Pirates’ chances this weekend.
“On Pirates against Lupopo, it will be difficult – nothing is impossible, but it will be very difficult to put four goals past Lupopo without conceding one,” Eymael told Soccer Laduma.
Ex-Lupopo coach expect Pirates to struggle
As much as St Eloi Lupopo can attack, Eymael warned that the Congolese side are capable of defending. The Buccaneers, who came into Sunday’s clash on the back of eight straight wins, could not score a single goal.
“We were the best defence, the best clean sheet record last season, and they have a very good goalkeeper. The foundations are there. Yes, the coach changed the system to a 3-5-2 while I used to play 4-3-3, but they recruited some good players. It will be difficult, but nothing is impossible in life.
“Personally, I didn’t expect that Pirates would lose 3-0 in Lupopo,” the former Chippa United coach added.
Eymael last week said Pirates chances were depended on the first leg. After a 3-0 defeat, he feels that the Buccaneers will need a miracle to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
“Unfortunately for them, they conceded three goals, so it will be difficult – but in life, there’s still hope,” he concluded.