caf champions league orlando pirates

Thamsanqa Gabuza of Orlando Pirates reacts in disappointment after missed chance during the CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Platinum at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 08 March 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Caf Champions League highlights: Horoya 2-1 Orlando Pirates [video]

Orlando Pirates’ dream of a second Caf Champions League title came crashing down on Saturday, as they were handed a 2-1 defeat by Horoya.

caf champions league orlando pirates

Thamsanqa Gabuza of Orlando Pirates reacts in disappointment after missed chance during the CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Platinum at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 08 March 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates crashed out of the Caf Champions League group stage after a 2-1 defeat to Horoya in Conakry on Saturday.

The Buccaneers were third in Group B, a point behind the Guinean giants, needing a victory to progress through to the knockout rounds.

They could have gained the upper hand in the first half when Kudakwashe made a superb run down the middle but could not finish off a move he started as his shot sailed well wide of the target.

It was the hosts who eventually drew first blood 11 minutes into the second half when Pirates’ clearance from a set piece landed in Abdoulaye Camara’s path, and the midfielder’s shot from range took a deflection which sent it out of the diving Wayne Sandilands’ reach.

Horoya doubled their lead later on when Ocansey Mandela toyed with the Pirates defence before his shot at goal from a tight angle was toed over the line by Boniface Haba.

Justin Shonga, who travelled under an injury cloud, had been introduced 20 minutes from full time, and it was well into injury time when he provided a slim glimmer of hope for the Soweto giants.

The Zambian international pulled one back by chipping goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye, but that would only prove to be empty consolation as the final whistle sounded moments later.

This saw the 1995 champions journey end in the group stage, as they failed to replicate the heroics of their last appearance in the competition when they finished runners-up in 2013.

The Buccaneers now turn their attention to the PSL title race, where their next assignment is a home clash against Black Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 29 March.

Watch: Horoya vs Orlando Pirates highlights