The Confederation of African Football (CAF) emblem. Image: cafonline

Orlando Pirates thought they had a lifeline after their thrilling CAF Champions League second-round qualifier against Saint-Eloi Lupopo.

The Congolese club has confirmed that all three complaints filed by the Buccaneers have been dismissed.

The Sea Robbers were beaten 3-0 in the first leg in Lubumbashi before producing a storming 3-0 win in Soweto to level the tie. But after losing 5-4 on penalties, the Sea Robbers took the fight off the pitch and into the boardroom.

The Soweto giants opened cases against head coach Guy Bukasa, and players Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet, believing Bukasa should not have been on the bench due to a CAF suspension related to a previous U-20 AFCON brawl, and questioning the registration of both Molia and Wanet.

"Football Club Saint Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

"It rejected the complaint from South African team Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players Molia and Kashala, who were properly registered.

"The CAF also clarified that the presence of coach Guy Bukasa on the bench during the match cannot be subject to a sanction against Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo.

"However, the Disciplinary Jury confirmed the six-match suspension of coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu for the U-20 case, along with a fine.

"This decision reaffirms the victory achieved on the field and strengthens our club's position in the competition. FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo will continue to defend its interests with the utmost determination."

Having already won the first available trophy, the MTN8 in September, Orlando Pirates will battle Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final on 6 December at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. From there, Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will shift focus to the Nedbank Cup and the Betway Premiership.