Orlando Pirates have moved closer to securing a place in the CAF Champions League group stages after recording an important away victory, while Kaizer Chiefs face an uphill battle following their defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers.

The Buccaneers secured a narrow but valuable 1-0 win over Namibian champions African Stars at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday afternoon.

Tshepang Moremi proved to be the match-winner after finding the back of the net in the 75th minute, giving Pirates a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.

The Soweto giants showed determination to protect their lead as African Stars pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages. Pirates managed to withstand the late pressure and walked away with a result that puts them in a stronger position ahead of the return fixture.

Although the narrow victory does not guarantee qualification, it gives the Buccaneers an opportunity to finish the job in front of their supporters and move one step closer to the lucrative group stages of Africa's premier club competition.

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs experienced a frustrating afternoon in Zambia after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers.

Amakhosi travelled to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola hoping to secure a positive result, but the Zambian side had other plans.

Alassane Diarra scored the decisive goal late in the match, handing Red Arrows a valuable home victory and leaving Chiefs with plenty of work to do in the return leg.

The defeat puts pressure on the Soweto giants, who will need a strong response in the second encounter if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the Confederation Cup group stages alive.

Unlike Pirates, who return home with an advantage, Chiefs must now focus on overturning the deficit while avoiding further mistakes.

Both South African clubs remain in contention, but their contrasting results have created different challenges ahead of the second legs. Pirates will look to build on their advantage, while Chiefs must deliver when it matters most to prevent their continental campaign from ending prematurely.

Source : https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2111476328469758409