Orlando Pirates advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Mauritian side La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate.

The Buccaneers secured a 3-1 victory in the second leg at home after a disappointing goalless draw in the first leg in Mauritius. Despite not being at their best over the two matches, Pirates did enough to progress to the next round.

Their attention will now turn to the second preliminary round, where they will face Namibian side African Stars.

African Stars booked their place in the next round after overcoming AS Mangasport on the away-goals rule, setting up an intriguing clash with the Buccaneers.

No room for error in CAF for Orlando Pirates

The stakes will be significantly higher this time around. The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.

For Pirates, however, the second preliminary round has proved to be a problematic stage in recent seasons. The Buccaneers have struggled to navigate this hurdle and will be determined to avoid another early exit from Africa’s premier club competition.

With a place in the group stages at stake, Pirates will know that there is little room for error against African Stars.

Orlando Pirates did not look convincing in their two CAF CL matches against Waves and if their opponents had more quality, they could have frustrated Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men. African Warriors have more quality and one bad game from the Buccaneers could sent them packing yet again from the Champions League.

Will Pirates go through?