CAF Confederation Cup: Diables Noirs vs Orlando Pirates – LIVE scores

Orlando Pirates are in Congo-Brazzaville as they face Diables Noires in their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg tie.

Diables Noirs vs Orlando Pirates – LIVE Scores

Orlando Pirates turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they open their campaign against Congolese outfit Diables Noirs.

The first of two legs of fixtures between the two sides will take place at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat before the return leg at Orlando Stadium. 

Orlando Pirates enter the competition in the second preliminary round and will look to do as they did in the previous edition of the tournament and breeze past this stage of the competition.

They are up against a side that has had a taste of Confed Cup action, overcoming Burundian outfit Bumamuru in the opening round, thanks to a 1-0 aggregate score. That tie was the Diables Noirs’ first appearance in the competition in eight years, having last featured back in 2013.

Diables Noirs return to the competition after finishing second in their domestic league. They have been regulars in continental tournaments and have seven league titles to their name.

Team News: Diables Noirs vs Orlando Pirates

Four players have rejoined the Pirates camp after taking part in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers over the past few days. 

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deon Hotto, Gabadinho Mhango and Terrence Dzvukamanja were all called up for international duty during the FIFA break and will travel with the rest of the squad. Vincent Pule returned injured and will not make the trip

Meanwhile, the hosts will also welcome a player back from international duty, with Hardy Binguila rejoining his teammates after his call-up to the Congo-Brazzaville squad. 

Players to Watch 

Diables Noirs boast some attacking fire power with the likes of Lorry Nkolo expected to lead their line, while playmakers like Binguila and Beh Ahmed Ouattara will also require some attention from Jele and Hlatshwayo. 

The game is scheduled to kick off at 16:30 SAST. 

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction: CAF Confederation Cup vs Diables Noirs