Orlando Pirates secured a narrow first-leg advantage in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, while Kaizer Chiefs suffered a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup following defeats in their respective away fixtures on Saturday.

A 75th-minute strike from Tshepang Moremi earned Pirates a 1-0 victory over Namibian side African Stars at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

Moremi’s goal was his fifth in 10 appearances for the Buccaneers, handing the Betway Premiership champions a slender advantage ahead of next weekend’s return leg.

The two sides were meeting in the CAF Champions League for the third time, with Pirates maintaining their unbeaten record against African Stars. The Soweto giants had won two of their previous encounters and drawn the other, keeping clean sheets in all three meetings.

Pirates made a positive start, with Gamphani Lungu troubling the African Stars defence during the early exchanges. However, it was Moremi who ultimately made the difference, putting the Buccaneers in a strong position to advance to the next round.

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Zambian side Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie.

Amakhosi made just one change to their starting line-up, with Luke Baartman replacing Wandile Duba in attack. However, they were unable to secure a positive result away from home and must now overturn the deficit in Johannesburg next weekend to keep their continental campaign alive.

DURBAN CITY CLAIM COMMANDING VICTORY

On Sunday, Durban City secured a 3-1 victory over AS Port Louis in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Goals from Haashim Domingo and Gastón Sirino, together with a penalty converted by Tashreeq Morris, gave Eric Tinkler’s side a two-goal advantage heading into the return fixture.

The result puts Durban City in a favourable position as they look to progress in the competition.

SUNDOWNS HELD TO GOALLESS DRAW

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by Angolan side Wiliete S.C. in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie at Estádio Nacional de Tundavala in Lubango on Sunday evening.

The Brazilians will now look to make home advantage count in the return leg as they seek to secure their place in the next round.

BROADCASTING CONCERNS SURROUND CAF FIXTURES

The absence of television coverage for the South African clubs’ continental fixtures sparked surprise and frustration among local football supporters, with questions raised about the broadcasting arrangements for CAF inter-club competitions.

Broadcasting responsibilities for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup can vary depending on the stage of the competition, the applicable rights agreements and the arrangements made for individual fixtures.

At certain stages, the host club or its national federation may be responsible for facilitating the host broadcast signal, subject to CAF regulations and the relevant broadcasting agreements. That signal may then be made available to authorised broadcasters and rights holders.

However, the lack of coverage left many supporters unable to follow some of the country’s biggest clubs as they began their continental campaigns.

With the return legs scheduled for next weekend, the focus now shifts to the decisive fixtures.

Pirates head into their second leg with a narrow advantage, while Chiefs face an uphill task after their defeat in Zambia. Durban City will look to build on their two-goal cushion, while Sundowns will aim to find a breakthrough after being held to a goalless draw.

The four South African sides will be hoping to secure progression as they continue their respective quests for continental success.

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