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Orlando Pirates say they will leave nothing to chance when they host Namibia’s African Stars in Soweto on Friday evening, with a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League at stake.

The Buccaneers carry a 1-0 advantage into the second leg of the preliminary tie after beating African Stars in Botswana last Saturday.

But the narrow lead has not eased the pressure on the South African side, who are determined to avoid an early exit from the competition.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said the club would not want to repeat last season’s disappointment, when they were eliminated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Saint Eloi Lupopo F.C.

The result in the first leg gives Pirates a useful head start, but African Stars will have the opportunity to challenge that advantage in Soweto.

Pirates will need to protect their lead while looking for a result that secures their progress to the next round.

For the Buccaneers, qualification would keep alive their pursuit of a second continental title. The club’s supporters continue to celebrate Pirates’ 1995 triumph in Africa’s premier club competition, a landmark achievement marked by a star on the team’s jersey more than 30 years ago.

Pirates came close to adding another title in 2013, reaching the final before losing to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The club also enjoyed a strong campaign two seasons ago under former coach Jose Riveiro, but their run ended in the semi-finals against another Egyptian side, Pyramids.

Those previous campaigns underline the club’s history in the competition, but they also provide a reminder of how difficult the route to the title can be. Before considering a group-stage campaign, Pirates must first finish the preliminary tie against African Stars.

The first-leg victory gives the Soweto side an advantage, but the team will be wary of allowing the Namibians back into the contest.

A disciplined performance on Friday would put Pirates closer to the group stage and offer a chance to build momentum in the tournament.

The match is therefore an important early test for Ouaddou’s side. An elimination at this stage would end their continental campaign before the group phase, while progression would give them another opportunity to compete among Africa’s leading clubs.

Pirates’ focus will be on completing the job in front of their home supporters. With a one-goal lead to defend and last season’s exit still fresh in the club’s memory, the Buccaneers are approaching the second leg with caution.

African Stars, meanwhile, will arrive needing to overturn the deficit if they are to advance. Pirates will aim to prevent that comeback and secure their place in the next stage of the CAF Champions League.

Source And Reference (Twitter)

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