Orlando Pirates claimed a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Namibia's African Stars in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Saturday afternoon at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.
Tshepang Moremi's 75th minute strike proved decisive, giving the Buccaneers a slender but valuable advantage ahead of Friday's return leg at Orlando Amstel Arena. The result puts the Soweto giants in a strong position to progress to the group stages of Africa's premier club competition.
Strong start after league win
Pirates arrived in Botswana in good form after a 3-0 midweek Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made changes to his starting lineup, recalling Moremi and starting Yanela Mbuthuma in attack, with Oswin Appollis among those on the bench.
First-half dominance
The visitors dominated large spells of the opening half and created several clear chances. Ghampani Lungu headed narrowly wide from a Siphiwe Masilela cross around the 15-minute mark, while Mbuthuma was denied by African Stars goalkeeper Kasetura after being played through. Pirates also felt they had a penalty claim when Masilela appeared to be pushed in the box, but the referee waved play on.
African Stars offered little threat in the first half, with Sipho Chaine largely untested in the Pirates goal.
Second-half breakthrough
The Namibian side grew into the contest after the break and forced a free-kick on the edge of the area, but the Buccaneers' defensive wall stood firm.
Pirates continued to press. Mbuthuma went clean through again just before the hour mark but could not beat Kasetura. Ouaddou then turned to his bench, introducing Evidence Makgopa for Mbuthuma and Sbangani Zulu for Nkosinathi Sibisi.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute. Moremi found the net with a well-taken finish, his first goal of the Champions League campaign and his fifth across all competitions this season. The away goal forced African Stars forward in search of an equaliser, but Pirates defended resolutely and remained a threat on the counter.
Resilient finish
The final whistle confirmed a professional and disciplined performance from the Buccaneers, who showed the character required on the road in continental competition.
Looking ahead
The second leg will be played on Friday, 23 October 2026, at Orlando Amstel Arena. A place in the CAF Champions League group stage is now just 90 minutes away for the Buccaneers.