By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates are out of the CAF Champions League after an agonising penalty shootout loss to Saint Eloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a 3-0 win, which made the aggregate 3-3 over two legs, Pirates lost the shootout 5-4.
Pirates struggled to break their opponents’ defence, and twice came close with Tshepang Moremi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, respectively, but the duo missed the target.
Lupopo were eventually breached in the 39th minute as Masindi Nemtajela managed to beat the goalkeeper from about 25 yards to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Dramatic scenes after the game ended with Moremi getting his marching orders – though replays suggested it was harsh from the officials.
In the 50th minute, he forced the goalkeeper into a fine save, but his major contribution came in the 68th minute when he brought in a good corner that was converted by Yanela Mbuthuma to make it 2-0.
The faithful Pirates fans patience was rewarded in the final minute of added time, when Oswin Appollis managed to get the ball past the defenders infront of him and beat the goalkeeper to make it 3-3 and break Lupopo’s hearts.
Much to the disappointment of the home crowd, Lupopo won the shootout 5-4 to get a ticket for the group stage.