Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League following a penalty shoot-out loss to Jwaneng Galaxy on Friday night.
Defender Benson Mangolo was the match-winner for Galaxy, converting the fifth penalty for the visitors after teammate Goitseone Phoko had earlier saved from 18-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates gambled by bringing on Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori for Sipho Chaine in added time, believing he could swing the penalty shootout in their favour after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
But the move did not work as Galaxy converted all five kicks to clinch a place in the group phase from November 24 and pocket at least $700 000 (€660 000) in prize money.
After losing 1-0 in Botswana two weeks ago, Pirates dominated the return match with Galaxy defending in depth.
The Buccaneers recalled veteran forward Kermit Erasmus, but he made little impact against the red-shirted Galaxy defensive wall.
Pirates’ pressure finally told on 66 minutes when substitute Evidence Makgopa poked the ball into the net after a goalmouth scramble.
The home team almost snatched a second goal and overall victory in added time, but as Patrick Maswanganyi prepared to shoot from close range he was dispossessed by a superb sliding tackle.
Pirates will now focus on the MTN 8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 7th of October 2023.
Meanwhile SuperSport United secured their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a resounding 3-0 victory over Gaborone United.
In Cairo, title-holders Al Ahly hammered Saint George of Ethiopia 4-0 and Mostafa Fathy scored four goals as Pyramids trounced APR of Rwanda 6-1 for convincing aggregate victories.