Orlando Pirates Advance As LPRC Oilers Fixture Is Cancelled

The CAF Confederation Cup second-round second leg between Orlando Pirates and LPRC Oilers at Orlando Stadium on Sunday has been cancelled.

Pirates released a statement on Friday saying they have received official communication from the continental football governing body, CAF, confirming the withdrawal of LPRC Oilers from the contest.

“The fixture will no longer take place, after the Liberia FA contacted tournament organisers CAF to confirm Oilers’ withdrawal,” reads part of the statement.

“This means that the Soweto Giants automatically qualify for the Group stage of the competition for the second consecutive season.”

CAF had on Thursday night published a statement that confirmed the Liberian giants decision without giving the reason.

“CAF has received a letter from the Liberia FA confirming the withdrawal of LPRC Oilers from the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup this season,” the governing body said.

“Consequently, this weekend’s scheduled fixture between Orlando Pirates and LPRC Oilers has been cancelled in accordance to the Regulations of the competition.”

Pirates registered a convincing 2-0 win over Oilers last weekend in Monrovia in the first leg through goals by Tshegofatso Mabasa and Fortune Makaringe.

Oilers dropped to CAF Confederation Cup playoff round after falling 4-0 to Raja Casabalanca in first round of 2021/2022 CAF Champions League.

Pirates beat Congo’s CSMD Diables Noirs 1-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round of the Confederation Cup.