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LIVE | CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
Orlando Pirates face a defining afternoon in their CAF Champions League campaign when they welcome La Cure Waves to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 12 September.
The Buccaneers and their Mauritian opponents played to a goalless draw in the first leg in Port Louis, leaving everything to be decided in Soweto.
For Orlando Pirates, the equation is simple: win and they advance to the next round. cat-cross.com
Home ground advantage
The Buccaneers will be looking to make home advantage count after being frustrated by a disciplined La Cure Waves defence in the opening encounter.
The Mauritian champions held firm under sustained pressure and will arrive in Soweto knowing that another resolute defensive performance could put them within touching distance of a historic progression.
Orlando Pirates, however, have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and have been particularly strong at home.
They will hope that their familiarity with the Orlando Amstel Arena, combined with the backing of the Soweto faithful, can provide the difference.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will also be wary of allowing the visitors to score, with a scoring draw potentially putting La Cure Waves in a favourable position.
Another opportunity
The Orlando Pirates coach admitted his side had wanted to return from Mauritius with a goal but believes the home leg provides another opportunity to get the job done.
“We had the first half in Mauritius. We went there to get a result and at least score a goal. We didn’t, but have a chance here at home to go through to the next stage.”
La Cure Waves coach Jerome Thomas, meanwhile, acknowledged the size of the challenge awaiting his team.
“It’s football, and anything can happen. We realise it will be extremely difficult. We are up against an African giant playing on home turf, in a stadium that holds thousands of fans.”
Boost
Orlando Pirates have also received a boost in their squad, with academy product Bheki Mabuza returning permanently from Marumo Gallants and already training with the team.
Club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi could also return after missing the last three matches, while Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa continue their respective recoveries.
Mohau Nkota remains sidelined as he works his way back from injury.
With the tie delicately poised at 0-0, there is little room for error for either side.
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 2.
Prediction
Orlando Pirates to win
Mdunyelwa Calls for Sundowns to Stretch Lead
Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa has stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum as they prepare to take on Chippa United in the Betway Premiership.
The Brazilians will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership following their recent 3-0 victory over Siwelele FC.
Sundowns are aiming to extend their lead at the top of the league standings when they take on the Chilli Boys at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London.
With Sundowns focused on extending their lead, Mdunyelwa believes carrying that winning mentality into their next match will be crucial to keeping their title charge on track.
“It’s important for us to continue where we left off the last time we were there and stretch the lead on the top of the log,” Mdunyelwa said.
Kick-off has been set for 17:30.
The post Mdunyelwa Calls for Sundowns to Stretch Lead appeared first on SportsClub.
Real Madrid : le Rayo, un adversaire qui résiste régulièrement aux Merengues
Le Real Madrid retrouve la Liga ce samedi avec la réception du Rayo Vallecano au Santiago Bernabéu, à l’occasion de la 5e journée. Troisièmes avec neuf points après quatre rencontres, les Merengues veulent poursuivre leur bon début de saison. Mais face au voisin madrilène, les hommes de José Mourinho devront se méfier d’un adversaire qui leur a régulièrement compliqué la tâche ces dernières saisons.
Quatre nuls sur les six dernières confrontations
Le Rayo Vallecano a souvent su tenir tête au Real Madrid. Sur les six dernières confrontations entre les deux équipes en Liga, quatre se sont soldées par un match nul.
La série avait débuté le 5 novembre 2023 au Santiago Bernabéu, avec un score nul et vierge (0-0). Quelques mois plus tard, le 18 février 2024, les deux formations s’étaient de nouveau quittées sur un partage des points (1-1).
Le duel du 14 décembre 2024 avait ensuite offert davantage de spectacle. À Vallecas, les deux équipes avaient livré une rencontre particulièrement animée, conclue sur un score de 3-3. Le 9 novembre 2025, le Rayo avait encore réussi à contenir les Merengues avec un nouveau 0-0.
Entre ces quatre matches nuls, le Real Madrid avait tout de même réussi à s’imposer à deux reprises, à chaque fois sur le score de 2-1. Les Madrilènes avaient d’abord pris le dessus le 9 mars 2025 au Bernabéu, avant de récidiver le 1er février 2026 dans la même enceinte.
Le Rayo veut encore jouer les trouble-fêtes
Ces dernières confrontations montrent que l’écart entre les deux équipes sur le papier ne s’est pas toujours vérifié sur le terrain. Malgré son statut de favori, le Real Madrid a régulièrement été mis en difficulté par son voisin madrilène, qui a su lui tenir tête lors de plusieurs rendez-vous récents.
Le Rayo Vallecano aura donc une nouvelle occasion de perturber les plans des Merengues au Santiago Bernabéu. De son côté, le Real Madrid voudra confirmer son bon début de championnat et décrocher un quatrième succès en cinq journées.
Après sa victoire en Ligue des champions face à l’Inter Milan, le club madrilène cherchera également à enchaîner afin de conserver sa dynamique. Le Rayo, de son côté, tentera de s’appuyer sur son historique récent face au Real pour prolonger cette série et créer une nouvelle surprise.
The post Real Madrid : le Rayo, un adversaire qui résiste régulièrement aux Merengues appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves: All the permutations
Orlando Pirates host La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round on Saturday.
The match at Orlando Amstel Arena is scheduled for 15:00.
Also read: Mamelodi Sundowns unveil former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder
ORLANDO PIRATES VS LA CURE WAVES: THE PERMUTATIONS
Pirates head into this encounter a little bit under pressure after failing to score away from home last weekend.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men player to a 0-0 draw, meaning this is a must-win encounter for them to advance to the next round.
All Pirates need to do is to beat La Cure Waves even if it’s by a single goal-margin.
A score draw will see Pirates being eliminated from the competition on away-goal rule while a scoreless draw will take the game straight to penalties.
Last season, Pirates were knocked out in the second preliminary round by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side Saint Eloi Lupopo.
However, they made amends by winning a treble which was the club’s first in 14 years. Bucs had last won the treble during the 2011-12 season.
Also read: Orlando Pirates loan out two midfielders to Marumo Gallants
WILL THE SEA ROBBERS SURVIVE THIS ONE?
Let us know in the comment section below…
JSM Béjaïa : un accord avec Mohamed Rabie Meftah pour débloquer les qualifications
Bonne nouvelle pour la JSM Béjaïa. La direction du club béjaoui annonce avoir trouvé un accord à l’amiable avec son ancien entraîneur, Mohamed Meftah, mettant ainsi fin au litige qui avait entraîné une interdiction de qualifier les joueurs pour la saison 2026-2027. Le dossier Mohamed Meftah connaît enfin son épilogue. Le président du CSA de […]
L’article JSM Béjaïa : un accord avec Mohamed Rabie Meftah pour débloquer les qualifications est apparu en premier sur Shoot Africa.