BREAKING: Drama as Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League dream ENDS!

Orlando Pirates have missed out on a CAF Champions League spot next season thanks to an extra-time equaliser by Royal AM in their DStv Premiership clash on Friday.

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The Buccaneers had to win their final three matches of the season to accomplish the feat – and earlier this week ticked the first box in their quest to join champions Mamelodi Sundowns as Mzansi’s two representatives in Africa’s premier club competition.

The Soweto giants proved far too strong for another KwaZulu-Natal side, Maritzburg United, winning 4-1 on Tuesday.

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Alas, Orlando Pirates stumbled at the second hurdle, despite taking a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes at the Chatsworth Stadium.

Deon Hotto opened the scoring in the third minute on Friday and Kwame Peprah doubled the Buccaneers’ lead four minutes later.

Royal AM then cut the deficit thanks to a 79th minute goal by Thabo Matlaba and then broke Orlando Pirates’ hearts with a 93rd minute equaliser by Mfundo Thikazi.

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Orlando Pirates still have a chance of CAF play

The best Orlando Pirates now can hope for is a win over SuperSport United on Monday, 30 May in their final match of the season which could earn the Soweto side a CAF Confederation Cup spot.

However, they would need to beat Matsatsantsa by FIVE clear goals to move ahead of Royal AM who now occupy the all-important third place berth.

All eyes will be glued to the Lucas Moripe Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

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