Orlando Pirates have advanced to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after their play-off round opponents LPRC Oilers withdrew from the second leg.
Pirates held a 2-0 lead from the first game played in Liberia and were heavily fancied to advance with the return set for Sunday at the Orlando Stadium.
Oilers have decided against making the expensive trip to South Africa for the return fixture, citing the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.
“The new Covid-19 variant in South Africa is a key factor leading to the Oil Boys’ withdrawal,” the club said in a statement.
Pirates will be pleased with the developments as it eases a little their hectic December schedule. The side were due to pay eight games in 21 days up to the festive season break but will not have more preparation time ahead of Wednesday’s away clash at AmaZulu.
The Buccaneers reach the group stages of the Confederation Cup for the second season in a row and third time overall. They have advanced to the knockout stages on each previous occasion in 2015, when they reached the final, and 2020-21, when they lost to Raja Casablanca in the quarterfinals.
Fellow DStv Premiership side Marumo Gallants will be hoping to join them on Sunday. They trail DR Congo side TP Mazembe 1-0 with the home leg to come.