Sea Robbers suffer heavy loss in the DRC

ORLANDO Pirates' CAF Champions League ambitions took a hit on Sunday afternoon as they fell 3-0 to St Eloi Lupopo in their first-leg preliminary round second stage clash at the Stade Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, DRC.

- SMISO MSOMI

The defeat also brought an end to Pirates' impressive 10-game winning streak in all competitions, halting their momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

The Buccaneers had arrived in the DRC brimming with belief after a stellar run of form and the confidence of seeing several players shine for Bafana Bafana during the recent international break. But the hosts wasted no time asserting themselves, setting an intense tempo from the opening whistle.

It took just five minutes for Wanet Kashala to open the scoring, firing a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Sipho Chaine and sent the home fans into raptures.

The early goal rattled Pirates, who struggled to adjust to the slick, artificial surface and the relentless pressing of Les Cheminots (The Railmen) in the searing Lubumbashi heat.