FT' - Lioli vs Orlando Pirates (0-3)

CAF Champions League Games – Saturday, September 20, 2025: Full Schedule and How to Watch Lioli vs Orlando Pirates

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds resume with several first preliminary round fixtures across Africa. Among them, one of the most watched matches is Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates. In this detailed blog post we provide the full schedule of CAF Champions League games for that day, match times in different zones, venues, team analysis, key players, history, predictions, and complete instructions on how and where to watch the Lioli vs Orlando Pirates match live. We also explore the significance of this match in the context of CAF Champions League history, how both teams arrived here, their strengths and weaknesses, and details for fans in Lesotho, South Africa, and internationally who want to follow the match.

Introduction

The CAF Champions League is Africa’s premier club football tournament, gathering top teams from across the continent. The 2025-26 edition is currently in its qualifying rounds, starting with preliminary fixtures, before teams advance to the group stage. Saturday, September 20, 2025, marks another major day in this qualifying phase, with many clubs playing their first leg in hopes of progressing.

One of the fixtures drawing considerable interest is Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates is a well-known name with continental pedigree. Lioli FC, champions of Lesotho, may be less known outside the region, but for them this match is a chance for exposure and glory.

CAF Champions League: General Background for 2025-26

To set the stage, a brief overview of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League:

It is the 62nd season of Africa’s top club competition administered by CAF.

The competition includes a qualifying/ preliminary stage, then progressing through second rounds, group stages, and knockout phases.

62 teams are involved in the qualifying rounds. Some teams receive byes into later rounds based on CAF’s 5-year ranking system.

The first preliminary round is played between 19-21 September 2025 (first legs), with second legs on 26-28 September.

This match day, September 20, falls within the window of first leg matches in the first preliminary round. Clubs from many African nations are traveling, preparing, dealing with logistics, stadium requirements, etc.

CAF Champions League Matches – Saturday, September 20, 2025: Full Schedule

Here are some of the fixtures scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, in the first preliminary round of CAF Champions League. Times are given in UTC where known; local times depend on country.  

Because not all matches’ times are fully published in all regions, fans should check local listings or official CAF announcements.

Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates – Match Details

Here is everything known so far about this specific match:

Teams:

Lioli Football Club (Lesotho champions)

Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

Date & Kick-off Time:

Saturday, September 20, 2025

15:00 local time in Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Equivalent to 13:00 UTC

Venue:

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa (used because Lioli’s usual home stadium in Lesotho is not approved for CAF matches)

Team News and Strengths:

Orlando Pirates:

Came into the match after winning the MTN8 Final, beating Stellenbosch FC, with all goals in extra time.

Coach may rotate the squad, giving chances to those who played less recently. Names like Masindi Namteja and Oswin Appollis have impressed off the bench. Also possibly Boitumelo Radiopane may be recalled.

Pirates have recent experience in CAF competitions; in the previous season they reached semi-finals and narrowly lost in crucial matches.

Lioli FC:

Seven-time domestic champions in Lesotho.

Less experience in continental tournaments; often exit in early qualifying rounds.

Head to Head:

This is the first meeting between Lioli FC and Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League or in general continental club competition.

What to Watch For:

Orlando Pirates’ bench strength and rotation

Ability of Lioli to defend well under pressure, especially away from home

Impact of travelling and unfamiliar ground

How quickly Orlando Pirates can dominate possession or create attacking chances

How to Watch Lioli vs Orlando Pirates – Full Details

For fans wanting to watch the match live, here are the confirmed and potential options:

Television:

The match will be broadcast on SABC1 in South Africa.

Streaming / Online Platforms:

SABCPlus (South Africa) is listed as a streaming option.

In some regions, fans may use FotMob or 365Scores for live commentary, live stats, but these are not always streaming services for full match video. They are useful for following match events if video is not available.

Radio and Other Media:

Local radio channels in Lesotho, South Africa may carry commentary. In the preview it was noted that Lesoto-based FM stations like Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM broadcast similar matches.

For International Viewers:

If you are outside South Africa or Lesotho, check whether there is a broadcasting rights holder in your country. CAF often sells rights regionally.

Streaming services with rights to CAF Champions League in your country may offer live stream, perhaps via subscription.

Sometimes official club websites, CAF’s site, or partner platforms offer pay-per-view or streaming access. Always check for legal sources to avoid infringement.

Time Conversion Tip:

For example, if you are in Bangladesh (UTC +6), 13:00 UTC means 7:00 PM local time.

Check time zone conversion carefully so that you don’t miss the first whistle.

Tactical Insights and Predictions

Given what is known, here are some tactical observations and predictions:

Orlando Pirates are expected to dominate possession, set the tempo, and try to press high. They have more continental experience and a deeper squad. Their attacking transitions and set pieces might be decisive.

Lioli FC will likely set up defensively, look to absorb pressure, use counter-attacks, maybe exploit set pieces or long balls. Their key will be organisation and concentration, especially in first 30 minutes.

Possible Lineups:

Orlando Pirates might start with a side combining experience and fresh legs. Names like Masindi Namteja, Oswin Appollis, Radiopane might feature.

Lioli likely field their best available squad, possibly with minimal changes due to less squad depth.

Prediction:

While upsets can happen, it seems likely that Orlando Pirates will win, perhaps with a margin like 2-0 or 3-1. If Lioli can frustrate them for the first half, then could score on breakaways or set plays. The away ground advantage is slim since they are playing in South Africa.

Significance of the Match

For Orlando Pirates, winning this match is important to avoid being upset early. It sets the tone for the rest of their continental campaign.

For Lioli FC, even though expectations are modest, progressing would be a historic result, boosting reputation.

For fans in Lesotho and adjacent regions, such matches generate interest, improve exposure, revenue, and possibly encourage better infrastructure.

On the broader level, the qualifying rounds often indicate which underdog teams can make surprise runs. CAF Champions League is full of stories of smaller clubs achieving more than expected.

Full Schedule Summary: Key Matches and Times

Here is a summary of some of the key fixtures for CAF Champions League on September 20, 2025, and their kick off times:

Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates — 13:00 UTC / 15:00 local at Free State Stadium.

Ethiopian Medhin vs Mlandege FC — around 12:00 UTC.

Various other matches across Africa in preliminary round. Fans should consult official CAF schedule for full list.

Conclusion

Saturday, September 20, 2025, is a pivotal date in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round. The Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates match encapsulates the hope, pressure, and potential drama of continental football. While Orlando Pirates enter as favorites given their squad strength and experience, Lioli FC has nothing to lose and everything to gain by putting up a strong fight.

For fans, this match offers a chance to see rising talents, tactical battles, and maybe surprises. Watching via legal broadcasters is essential, and keeping track of start times according to local time zones will ensure you catch every moment.

Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Q1: What time will Lioli vs Orlando Pirates start in my time zone?

A1: The match kicks off at 13:00 UTC. To convert: add your local offset to UTC. For instance, Bangladesh is UTC +6 → 7:00 PM local time.

Q2: What if I live outside South Africa or Lesotho — can I watch it legally?

A2: Likely yes, if your country has a broadcaster with CAF rights. Check local sports channels, streaming services. Also check whether the match is made available via online platforms licensed in your region. Always use official and legal streams or broadcasts.

Q3: What are the chances of Lioli pulling off an upset?

A3: It would be difficult but not impossible. Much depends on how well Lioli defend, how Orlando Pirates handle pressure, and how conditions (pitch, travel, climate) affect performance. If Pirates are complacent, Lioli could exploit that.

Q4: Where can I get live updates if I cannot watch?

A4: Platforms like FotMob, Sofascore, 365Scores offer live score updates, statistics, lineups, commentary. Also social media pages of the teams and CAF will provide minute-by-minute updates.

Q5: How important is this match in context of qualifying rounds?

A5: Very important. The first preliminary round is knockout style over two legs. A strong first-leg performance helps build momentum and reduce pressure in second leg. For larger clubs, early exit can be embarrassing. For smaller clubs, progressing can bring financial and reputational benefits.