Tshepang Moremi gives Orlando Pirates first-leg advantage against African Stars

Orlando Pirates secured a narrow 1-0 victory over African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at Botswana National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Tshepang Moremi scored with 20 minutes remaining to give the South African side the advantage ahead of next week’s return match in Soweto. The winner of the tie will qualify for the group stage of the 2026/27 Champions League.

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had warned his players against underestimating African Stars, who are the champions of Namibia. The Bucs were eliminated at the same stage of the competition last season by St Elo Lupopo.

That early exit came after Pirates had reached the semi-finals the previous season. Despite that disappointment, Ouaddou’s first campaign in charge ended with two domestic cups and the league title.

African Stars had reached the second preliminary round after defeating MangaSport of Gabon in the opening round. Pirates, meanwhile, progressed past La Cure Waves.

Ouaddou selected a full-strength side for the match, but the hosts defended resolutely and limited their opponents’ opportunities during a tightly contested first half.

Pirates came closest to breaking the deadlock just before the interval when Giamphani Lungu connected with a header that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

The chance served as a warning to African Stars, who continued to withstand pressure as Pirates pushed for an opening goal after half-time. With his side still unable to find a breakthrough, Ouaddou made changes by sending on Evidence Makgopa and Sbangani Zulu for Mbuthuma and Nkosanathi Sibisi.

The substitutions helped Pirates maintain their attacking momentum, and Moremi eventually produced the decisive moment with 20 minutes left to play.

The goal gave Pirates a valuable lead to take into the second leg in Soweto next week, although African Stars remain within one goal of overturning the deficit and claiming a place in the Champions League group stage.