Powered by an Evidence Makgopa brace, Orlando Pirates crushed African Stars 4-0 (5-0 on aggregate) to book their place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
At the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, Orlando Pirates dominated Namibia’s African Stars 4-0 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Already 1-0 winners in the first leg, the Pirates, led by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, sealed qualification with a 5-0 aggregate score (source: SuperSport).
The goals came from Thapelo Mokobodi, Mpho Padime and Evidence Makgopa, who scored twice. The Pirates remain the only South African club still in the competition, with Sundowns having been eliminated (source: Flashscore).
An attacking festival in Soweto
In the 17th minute, defender-midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring from a cross by attacking midfielder Simphiwe Masilela (source: SuperSport). It was the very first first-half goal in the history of meetings between the two clubs, according to SuperSport. Just before the break, striker Evidence Makgopa doubled the lead in the 45th minute, simultaneously opening his personal account for the season (source: KickOff).
After the interval, Mpho Padime scored the third goal right at the start of the second half, in the 46th minute (source: KickOff). Three goals had thus been scored in less than thirty minutes. Finally, in the 77th minute, Evidence Makgopa scored his second goal of the match, making it 4-0 (source: KickOff).
In the post-match press conference, Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his team’s collective control and clinical finishing (source: SuperSport).
A sixth group-stage qualification
With this victory, Orlando Pirates confirm their sixth participation in the CAF Champions League group stage, after 1997, 2006, 2013, 2018/19 and 2024/25 (source: SuperSport).
Evidence Makgopa, who scored twice, and Simphiwe Masilela, who provided the cross that led to the opening goal, were central to this success.
Heading for the group stage
The CAF Champions League group stage is due to begin on the weekend of 27-29 November 2026. Until then, Orlando Pirates will return to Betway Premiership action next week, after this continental success.