Orlando Pirates vs Stade d’Abidjan Prediction: Expect a total dominance from the Buccaneers in a must-win game at home

The Buccaneers will face off against Stade d'Abidjan in a must-win game at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The debutants have had a difficult time competing with the elites in the group, and after three games with a point, their hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase has been shattered. On the other hand, the hosts are presented with a blank cheque to reclaim the top spot as Al Ahly face a tough test against CR Belouizdad on the road. 

Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

Last three games: WDD

The Buccaneers settled for their second stalemate in the competition as they were held by Stade d’Abidjan FC on the road. Orlando Pirates, who scored just before the break, failed to defend their lead as their hosts hit back in the second half. Unfortunately, it was the Stade d’Abidjan who wanted it more after the break, and after so much threats from both teams, they decided a point apiece was enough. This was after their toothless stalemate against Al Ahly on their ground, as both teams prioritized defense. Since their last two CAF Championships games, Orlando Pirates have won two consecutive league games, scoring nine and conceding once. 

Orlando Pirates, who began their CAF Champions League campaign with an emphatic victory over CR Belouizdad and drawn back to back, have now secured five points from a possible nine.

The Buccaneers have a pretty solid record at home and they’ll be keen to exert dominance over their guests. 

Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Last three games: LLD

The visitors sit at the bottom of the group with just a point from a combined nine. Stade d’Abidjan have been in decent form in their domestic league and are struggling against the elites in the CAF Competition. Recently, they showed character despite losing at the break to secure a (1-1) stalemate against Orlando Pirates. 

The hosts have lost back-to-back and shared the spoils once in their last three games in their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League. The Ivory Coast-based have been overwhelmed by their opponents in the group, and this might just be the end of the road for them. 

Stade d’Abidjan have lost their last game on the road in the group and stand no chance here. 

Interesting Facts 

Stade d’Abidjan have conceded first in eight of their last nine games in all competitions. 

Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in their last four games.

Both teams have scored in six of their Stade d’Abidjan last six matches.

Expert Betting Tips

Orlando Pirates were once again below par on the road as they settled for a (1-1) stalemate against Stade d’Abidjan. They have been fairly consistent in the continental championship but still maintained their unbeaten run. Orlando Pirates are presented with a golden opportunity to improve their goal difference and also move to the top of the league. We can’t see them slow down here, and we are confident they’ll attack from the start to the end of the game.

Stade d’Abidjan, who have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine consecutive matches, will struggle against the attacking prowess of the hosts. The guests can’t afford to go toe to toe against the Buccaneers, and they’ll likely adopt a more defensive approach.

Regardless, we expect the Orlando Stadium atmosphere to unsettle the guests and the hosts to get a win & score more than two goals.

I also expect a more tactical approach from both teams, and this game might likely produce more goals after the break for 2.20.

I think the Orlando Pirates will start strong and probably get more than a goal before the break for 1.66.