JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE defeat Orlando Pirates suffered in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup final and the humiliating loss South Africa’s junior side suffered at the ongoing U23 Africa Cup of Nations highlights the sorry state of affairs in the Beautiful Game in the country.

On Sunday, Pirates’ impressive run in continental competitions came to a halt at the hands of Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel, who secured a 1-0 win over the visitors to clinch the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

A day earlier, the South African Under 23 side got their campaign off to a bad start after hosts Senegal defeated them 3-1.

The junior side’s qualification for the Olympics is now in doubt.

Smarting from their humiliation, bottom-of-the-log South Africa will on Tuesday face fellow Southern African side Zambia, who to, lost 2-1 to Tunisia in their opening match.

Both teams need an outright victory if they are to revive their hopes of making it to the next stage.

The South Africa / Zambia Under-23 match kicks off at Leopold Sedar Senghor at 17h00 while another exciting encounter pitting Tunisia and Senegal will follow at 20h00.

On Wednesday Algeria play Mali at Mbour, Caroline Faye Stadium at 17h00 while Nigeria and Egypt battle in another fierce contest at 20h00.

Over the weekend, Nigeria beat Mali 3-2.

Meanwhile, back home Pirates, popularly known as the Buccaneers, are finding the going tough in the domestic premiership.

They lie 11th from the 16-team table with 11 points from nine matches.

Coach Eric Tinkler has incurred the wrath of followers for his selections.

Among players that have been starved of game-time are Tshepo Gumede and Tendayi Ndoro.

– CAJ News