It was a splendid afternoon for South African football with both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates earning crucial continental away victories.
Mamelodi Sundowns overcome Botswana outfit Jwaneng Galaxy FC in the CAF Champions League thanks to early goals in both the first and second halves via Mothobi Mvala and Peter Shalulile while a late Thembinkosi Lorch goal was enough for Orlando Pirates to overcome Segrada Esperanca in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates remain the most successful South African teams in terms of continental honours after clinching one CAF Champions League star apiece to date.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates earn away victories
Both teams made their opening appearances in the respective 2020/2021 continental competitions after being exempted from the opening qualification round.
Orlando Pirates were knocked out of last season’s CAF Champions League during the current round after going down to Green Eagles while Mamelodi Sundowns were quarterfinalists last time out.
Mamelodi Sundowns are now firm favourites to once again feature in the CAF Champions League group stages. They host Jwaneng Galaxy in the return fixture on 06 January 2021 with a two goal advantage.
Much like Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates will also return back to South Africa as favourites to proceed to the next CAF Confederations Cup round after earning a vital away goal victory. They host their Angolan opponents on 06 January 2021.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates now pass the baton on to Kaizer Chiefs who host Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto tomorrow evening in a CAF Champions League clash while Bloemfontein Celtic host Nigerian side Rivers United.
Sundowns and Pirates now turn their attention to their blockbuster DStv Premiership clash on 02 January 2021 when they face off at Loftus Versfeld. The two teams meet in what could prove to be a potential title deciding clash.
