Orlando Pirates return to Orlando Stadium this Friday for the all-important second leg of their First Preliminary Round tie of the CAF Champions League against Madagascar’s Disciples. The fixture in Soweto is a must-win as the tie hangs in the balance after the opening leg played at Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius ended all square.
Form Guide
It was the first competitive outing of the season for the reigning Malagasy champions, who had won their two most recent competitive fixtures en route to claiming the 2023/24 league title. Disciples’ last defeat came in mid-June against top flight rivals Zanak’ala, whom they defeated comfortably in the home leg of the Pro League play-offs to claim a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Having tasted success domestically, they will be eyeing an upset on the continental stage with a place in the last preliminary round up for grabs.The visitors however face a formidable challenge against the 1995 African champions, who return to the site of their only home game so far this season where they overcame SuperSport United to book a spot in the MTN8 semi-finals earlier in the month.
Pirates will be looking to keep yet another cup run alive by seeing off Disciples, with the hopes of lining up against one of African Stars and Jwaneng Galaxy for a spot in the group stage.
Team News
New Bucs signings Deano van Rooyen and Gilberto could be nearing their official debuts after sitting out the trip to Mauritius. Also with a chance of running out for the first time in the colours of the Soweto Giants are midfielders Thuso Moleleki and Selaelo Rasebotja, both unused subs on Sunday.
A return to action is not too far off for Miguel Timm, who picked up an ankle injury before the MTN8 quarter-final, while the likes of Goodman Mosele and Tapelo Xoki are among those who remain sidelined.
Players to Watch
Young midfielder Andy Rakotondrajoa was one of the standouts for Disciples in their home leg, emerging as a key figure on attack and will want to build on that performance on Friday. The 21-year-old starred for the Islanders alongside highly rated winger Tendry Randrianarijaona, while the likes of Harison Ratsilaviniaina gave a good impression on defence.
Friday’s game could present an opportunity for another one of their stars in fan favourite Tsilavina Razanakoto, who did not feature in the first leg, but has been one of their main attacking threats since joining from rivals Fosa Juniors earlier in the year.
Head-to-Head
This will only be the second clash between the two sides, who produced a stalemate in the opening leg.
Neither side could grab the upper hand in the historic first encounter, which finished scoreless in spite of a few chances presented at both ends.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The game kicks off at 19:30 and will be televised live on SABC Plus. Live updates will be shared across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
Tickets to attend the match are available online at TicketPro and selected outlets nationwide.
