Goal-shy Pirates desperately need Lepasa in do or die CAF clash

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League aspirations are hanging by a balance and need Zakhele Lepasa to rescue them

The Sea Robbers suffered a 1-0 defeat against Botswana champions Jwaneng Galaxy last week in the first leg of the preliminary round.

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Jose Riveiro’s men started the league positively, scoring goals left, right, and centre thanks to Zakhele Lepasa’s form. The goals have since dried up for the Soweto giants and have failed to score in their last three outings. Pirates have lost three matches in a row and are looking very vulnerable ahead of their important CAF match against Jwaneng.

Lepasa’s form a worry for the Buccaneers

Morena Ramoreboli’s side are organised and will do anything in their power to eliminate the Sea Robbers and qualify for the CAF CL group stages for the very first time. The Botswana team eliminated Uganda’s Vipers 3-2 on aggregate after a convincing first leg win at home.

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Pirates and Lepasa need goals and could be caught out while going all out. Riveiro needs to formulate a game plan that will put pressure on the Galaxy defence and also not expose Pirate’s defence. Galaxy has pacey wingers and forwards that can hurt the Buccaneers, especially on counterattacks.

Lepasa needs support and having Monnaopule Saleng and Kermit Erasmus all playing alongside could benefit Pirates going forward. Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng also need to play well in midfield control the game and also supply goals to the attackers.

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Orlandp Pirates will take on Jwaneng on Friday evening at the Orlando Stadium. The Sea Robbers need to win by two clear goals or more to reach the group stages of the CAF CL.

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