Aswin Appollis talks about their exit from the CAF Champions League! | OneFootball

Buccaneers player describes their exit from the tournament as unfortunate.

Aswin Appollis talks about their exit from the CAF Champions League!

In a cruel twist of fate, Orlando Pirates' Caf Champions League dream was shattered not in the run of play, but from the penalty spot. Despite a heroic, last-gasp victory in regulation time against ST Eloi Lupopo, the Buccaneers saw their campaign end in a heartbreaking 5-4 shootout defeat.

The match had been a masterclass in resilience from the South African side. Trailing from a first-leg deficit, they mounted a stunning comeback, with Aswin Appollis emerging as the talisman. After goals from Masindi Nemtajela and Yanela Mbuthuma had set the stage, it was Appollis who delivered what seemed to be the decisive blow, scoring the third goal at the death to complete the 3-0 victory on the day.

Yet, the lottery of penalties proved unforgiving. The devastation was clear in the words of Appollis, who could only describe the exit as “unfortunate”. He acknowledged the collective heartbreak, telling OP TV, “We have to be in the Champions League and unfortunately today we got knocked out.”

The forward channeled the deep disappointment felt throughout the squad, stating, “We managed to score three goals and obviously we’re very disappointed for the team as Orlando Pirates.” However, in the midst of the despair, he sought a silver lining, determined to harness the spirit of their remarkable comeback. “I know the group is disappointed but we can take a lot of positives from this game coming from 3-0 down to score three goals. It’s a positive that we can take into the next game.”

For Orlando Pirates, the performance was a display of immense character, but the result was a painful reminder that football can be a game of fine margins.