Orlando Pirates will host Namibian champions African Stars on Friday evening as they look to secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
The Buccaneers head into the second leg of the preliminary round with a 1-0 advantage after winning the first leg in Botswana last weekend.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will be determined to finish the job on home soil after suffering an early elimination in the same stage of the competition last season.
Pirates need just a win or a draw to progress to the next round. However, a defeat by a single goal could force the tie into a penalty shootout, depending on the final aggregate score, while losing by two or more goals would see the Buccaneers eliminated.
A potential penalty shootout could present another challenge for the Soweto giants, given their history in penalty shootouts in continental competition.
Having not played a midweek fixture, Pirates have had additional time to prepare for the encounter. The break has also provided an opportunity for injured players to recover ahead of a crucial assignment.
When Are Orlando Pirates Playing African Stars?
The Buccaneers will welcome African Stars to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 23 October, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.
Ouaddou is expected to select a strong starting XI as Pirates look to avoid another disappointing early exit from Africa’s premier club competition.
Progressing to the group stage would be an important step for the Buccaneers and could also ease the pressure on the team following last season’s elimination.
Orlando Pirates Predicted Starting XI
Sipho Chaine; Ghampani Lungu, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto; Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheli Mthiyane; Simphiwe Masilela, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota; Boitumelo Radiopane.
Ouaddou could opt for an attacking approach, with Pirates looking to build on their first-leg advantage and secure qualification in front of their home supporters.