CAFCL: Pirates vs Jwaneng- All You Need to Know

The CAF Champions League is back in action with Orlando Pirates set to clash with Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the second preliminary round at Botswana National Stadium. The Pirates are eager to avenge their previous elimination by Jwaneng at the same stage last season, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to settle old scores.

Head-to-Head: Historically, Orlando Pirates have had a slight edge over Jwaneng Galaxy. However, in their last Champions League meeting, Jwaneng Galaxy emerged victorious with a 2-1 aggregate score, eliminating Pirates from the competition.

Key Points:

Pirates’ Form: Orlando Pirates are on a strong unbeaten run, having not lost in their last five matches. They will be looking to maintain this momentum in the Champions League.
Galaxy’s Home Advantage: Playing at home gives Jwaneng Galaxy a valuable edge, and they will seek to exploit this advantage.
Tactical Battle: Pirates’ coach, Jose Riveiro, is likely to employ a balanced strategy focusing on their wingers and midfield, while Galaxy’s Morena Ramoreboli is expected to emphasize a solid defense and counter-attacks.
Key Players: For the Pirates, Tapelo Xoki will be crucial in defense, and Gilberto will play a key role in attack. Jwaneng Galaxy will rely on the experience of Goitseone Phoko and Benson Mangoloto.

Prediction

The match is anticipated to be fiercely contested. While Pirates’ recent form provides them with a slight edge, Jwaneng Galaxy’s home advantage and tactical discipline make them tough opponents.

Prediction Score: Jwaneng Galaxy 1 – 2 Orlando Pirates

Where to Watch: The match kicks off at 4:00 PM SAST on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, and will be broadcast live on SABC Sport and SABC+.