African Stars coach Gerald Güther has sent a defiant message to Orlando Pirates, insisting that his team still has a chance of turning around their CAF Champions League tie despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg.

The Namibian champions lost to the South African side at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The result gives Pirates an advantage heading into the return fixture, but Güther believes his players can still produce a strong performance and fight their way into the next round.

Speaking after the match, the African Stars coach made it clear that his team had not given up on qualification.

"Of course you know, we are not down and out, we still have another game to go, another 90 minutes and we're definitely planning to go out there and give it everything," Güther said, according to SABC Sport.

Güther also believes that competing against a club with Orlando Pirates' experience will give his players confidence ahead of the second leg. He was encouraged by their ability to compete against the Buccaneers and expects them to use that experience as motivation for the decisive encounter.

"We were rubbing shoulders with some of the best players on the continent and I think we did well so I think it will be quite a bit of energy for us to feed off and come next week Friday, we are gonna leave everything on the field to make sure that we try and get what we deserve," he added.

Pirates secured the victory through Tshepang Moremi, who scored in the 75th minute with a left-footed effort after a tightly contested first half ended goalless. The goal proved decisive, leaving African Stars needing to overturn the one-goal deficit in the return fixture.

Güther also highlighted the contributions of South African defender Liyema Dopholo and midfielder Liam April, praising their discipline and performances. However, he believes both players have more to offer when African Stars travel to South Africa for the second leg.

Midfielder Lawrence Doeseb is another player who could prove important. Despite recently recovering from flu, he troubled the Pirates defence during the opening match, and improved fitness could help him make a greater impact in the return fixture.

The second leg is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Orlando Amstel Arena in South Africa. African Stars will need to deliver a strong performance to progress, while Pirates will aim to protect their advantage and complete the job in front of their supporters.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L3rwUyhTi/