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Alexandre Lafitte of Stade d’Abidjan and Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Caf Champions League: Why Orlando Pirates are coming home from Abidjan with all three points

The Buccaneers are targeting maximum points as they head to West Africa against Stade d’Abidjan at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday.

Jose Riveiro’s side continues to shine in Group C, remaining unbeaten and level with leaders Al Ahly on four points. Their recent stalemate against the defending champions in Soweto on 7 December highlighted their defensive resilience. 

Just days earlier, the Buccaneers secured a vital 2-1 win against CR Belouizdad in Algiers, marking a strong start to their group-stage campaign. 

With momentum on their side, Riveiro has remained optimistic about replicating that success in Abidjan. Given their impressive form, historical strength on the road and facing a struggling opponent, Pirates are poised to secure a significant win in the Caf Champions League group stage. 

Here, GOAL takes a look at why the Soweto giants are primed for victory in Ivory Coast.

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  • Mohau Nkota & Relebohile Mofokeng, Olando Pirates, November 2024Orlando Pirates

    Unbeaten Caf Champions League form

    The Sea Robbers have been a force in the Caf Champions League this season, maintaining an unbeaten run in six matches, which includes the preliminary rounds.

    With four wins and two draws, the Buccaneers have displayed consistency, resilience, and a tactical sharpness that has allowed them to navigate challenges with ease.

    Their unbeaten streak underscores a team ready to take on any challenge in Africa.

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  • Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates vs Al AhlyBackpage

    Depth in Bucs’ squad

    Pirates’ squad depth has been a cornerstone of their success, giving coach Riveiro a range of options to adapt to any challenge.

    Monnapule Saleng, who has seen limited game time this season, reminded everyone of his quality with an impactful performance against Al Ahly, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. 

    Adding further strength, Miguel Timm made a much-anticipated return in the same match, bolstering the midfield with his composure and tactical awareness. Their availability not only injects versatility into the team but also provides the Spaniard with critical selection flexibility.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    Historic away resilience in Caf competitions

    Orlando Pirates have a history of delivering strong performances away from home in the Caf Champions League. Remarkably, they have not lost an away match in the Champions League group stage since March 2019, when they fell to Horoya AC. 

    This remarkable record reflects the team’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging environments, a critical factor as they face Stade d’Abidjan.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, December 2024Orlando Pirates

    Stade d’Abidjan’s tough debut season

    The opponents are navigating their first-ever Caf Champions League campaign and the challenges have been apparent.

    The Ivorian side are sitting at the bottom of the group with no points from two matches and a goal difference of -3, having conceded five goals.

    Their inexperience at this level plays into the hands of a seasoned team like Pirates.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Poor domestic form a green light for Pirates

    Stade d’Abidjan's struggles extend to their domestic league, where they currently sit fifth. Their inconsistent performances domestically suggest a team lacking the cohesion and confidence to compete effectively at the highest level. 

    This creates a perfect opportunity for the Buccaneers to exploit their vulnerabilities and dominate the match.

  • Orlando PiratesBackpage

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