Orlando Pirates went into their CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg against Saint-Eloi Lupopo with a mountain to climb.
After going down 3-0 in the first leg away from home, it was always going to be difficult to turn things around in Orlando.
Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, they fell narrowly short on the day and have been dumped out of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign.
Orlando Pirates miss out on R12 million pay-day
The Buccaneers welcomed Lupopo to the Orlando stadium on Saturday afternoon.
An incredible performance on the day wasn’t enough for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.
Despite winning 3-0, and take the tie to penalties, it wasn’t to be for the Buccaneers. They ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout.
The defeat means Orlando Pirates will not play in this season’s Champions League group stages.
Unfortunately for Ouaddou’s side, the loss comes with big financial consequences.
The Buccaneers will only earn approximately R1.8 million from the Champions League. Had they qualified for the group stages, a guaranteed R12 million was coming their way!
CAF exit could be a blessing in disguise
It will undoubtedly hurt, however Abdeslam Ouaddou can now fully focus on the domestic front.
Orlando Pirates are desperate to end Mamelodi Sundowns‘ league dominance. Their early exit may very well give them a huge advantage over the Brazilians in the Betway Premiership.