Did Orlando Pirates Qualify for CAF Confederation Cup 2021(1)

Did Orlando Pirates Qualify for CAF Confederation Cup 2021(1)

1. Introduction

The CAF Confederation Cup is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Africa, and it attracts several top teams from different countries. Orlando Pirates, one of the most successful football clubs in South Africa, has been eyeing the tournament, and fans are eager to know if the team qualified for the 2021 edition. In this article, we will explore whether Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup and what it means for the team and its fans.

2. Orlando Pirates' Qualification Campaign

Orlando Pirates played in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) last season and performed well, finishing in the third position. This ensured the team a place in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup. In the preliminary rounds, Orlando Pirates faced a tough challenge from Jwaneng Galaxy, a team from Botswana. The Pirates won the two-legged tie 4-0 on aggregate and qualified for the competition's group stage.

3. Orlando Pirates in Group Stage

The CAF Confederation Cup group stage consists of four groups, each with four teams. Orlando Pirates was placed in Group A alongside ES Setif (Algeria), Enyimba (Nigeria), and Ahly Benghazi (Libya). The Pirates started their campaign poorly, losing their opening game 2-0 away to ES Setif. However, the team bounced back in their next game, winning 2-1 at home against Enyimba. In their third game, the Pirates played out a 0-0 draw away to Ahly Benghazi, before winning the reverse fixture 3-0 at home. The Pirates finished second in Group A with eight points, behind ES Setif, who finished top with ten points.

4. Orlando Pirates' Chances in Knockout Stages

By finishing second in Group A, Orlando Pirates qualified for the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Pirates will face Raja Casablanca, one of the most successful football clubs in Morocco, in the quarterfinals. Raja Casablanca finished top of Group D with ten points, ahead of Pyramids FC (Egypt), Nkana FC (Zambia), and Namungo FC (Tanzania). The Pirates will play the first leg away to Raja Casablanca on May 16, 2021, before hosting the second leg a week later. The winner of the tie will advance to the semifinals of the competition.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup 2021 and have reached the knockout stages of the competition. The Pirates finished second in their group and will face Raja Casablanca in the quarterfinals. Fans are hopeful that the team will progress further in the competition, and we wish the Pirates all the best in their pursuit of the CAF Confederation Cup title.

Did Orlando Pirates Qualify for CAF Confederation Cup 2021(1)