Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates face decisive CAF second legs

South Africa’s CAF representatives face a decisive weekend of continental football, with home advantage likely to play a major role in determining who reaches the group stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates must all negotiate challenging second-leg fixtures, while Durban City take a substantial lead into their away match.

Sundowns need victory in Pretoria

Reigning CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Angola’s Wiliete SC in the first leg at Estadio Nacional de Tundavala in Lubango.

The Brazilians had received a bye through the first preliminary round but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in Angola. They now return to Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria for the deciding fixture this weekend, knowing that only a win will guarantee their place in the group stage.

Miguel Cardoso’s side will look to the Pretoria stadium’s strong record in continental competition as they attempt to keep their title defence on course. Wiliete SC will travel with the tie still level after the opening match.

Chiefs must overturn Red Arrows defeat

Kaizer Chiefs have a deficit to erase after losing 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in Ndola in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round tie.

The return match will take place in Durban on Friday, with Chiefs required to win by at least two goals to advance automatically to the group stages. A 1-0 victory would instead send the contest to a penalty shootout.

Although the match is being played away from their usual home ground at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Amakhosi will hope their supporters from across South Africa can provide the backing needed to overturn the result. Their margin for error is small as they try to avoid an early exit from the competition.

Pirates take narrow lead to Orlando Stadium

Orlando Pirates have the advantage among the South African sides involved in the CAF Champions League after earning a 1-0 first-leg victory over Namibia’s African Stars.

The Buccaneers secured the result at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday in the second preliminary round. They now return to Orlando Stadium for Friday’s second leg, with a place in the group stage of Africa’s leading club competition within reach.

Pirates must protect their narrow lead over the remaining 90 minutes. The home side will also rely on the support of the Orlando faithful, whose presence has frequently created a difficult atmosphere for visiting teams in continental matches.

Durban City in control

Durban City are the exception among the South African clubs facing decisive ties. They take a 3-1 advantage into their away second leg after winning the opening match at home.

That lead leaves them well placed to manage the return fixture, regardless of the venue.

The coming week will therefore provide a significant test for South Africa’s continental representatives, with home advantage potentially deciding the outcomes for three of the country’s hopefuls.