African Stars complete comeback to set up Pirates clash

African Stars produced a determined comeback on Saturday, beating AS Mangasport 2-0 to overturn their first-leg deficit and advance to the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

The Namibian champions had suffered a 3-1 defeat in Gabon in the first leg, leaving them needing at least two goals in the return fixture to keep their campaign alive.

Coach Ronnie Kanalelo’s side responded strongly, with Lawrence Doeseb opening the scoring in the 15th minute before Liam April doubled the advantage in the 55th minute.

The 2-0 victory levelled the tie 3-3 on aggregate, with African Stars progressing on the away-goals rule.

The result now sets up a heavyweight Southern African clash against reigning South African champions Orlando Pirates.

Pirates also secured their place in the next round after beating Mauritian side La Cure Waves 3-1 in Soweto, following a goalless draw in the first leg.

For African Stars, the result represented a strong response to their disappointing performance in Gabon. Kanalelo said his technical team had carefully analysed the first leg and worked on correcting the mistakes that had allowed Mangasport to score three goals.

“After the first leg, I did the analysis throughout the game. We looked at how they scored their goals, and today was a different situation,” Kanalelo said.

The coach admitted that African Stars still made mistakes, but was pleased with the improvement and mentality shown by his players.

“The attitude was there, the intent was there, the willing power was there,” he said.

Kanalelo also praised his goalkeeper and the team’s pressing, which he identified as important elements in keeping Mangasport from scoring.

“We needed the two goals, we got it. We needed to stop their invasion. Good goalkeeping as well, but excellent, excellent from the press,” he said.

The away goal scored in Gabon ultimately proved decisive, with the aggregate score finishing 3-3.

Kanalelo had already highlighted the importance of that goal after the first leg, saying it could make a difference in the return fixture.

The comeback gives African Stars another opportunity to test themselves against one of the region’s biggest clubs.

Orlando Pirates, who advanced with a 3-1 aggregate victory over La Cure Waves, will provide a significant step up in opposition.

Kanalelo knows there is still work to be done despite the success.

“We can do better, or must do better, going forward,” he said.

African Stars will now turn their attention to Pirates as they continue their pursuit of a place in the Champions League group stage.