Chiefs, Sundowns, and Pirates face defining matches Live on SS

The road to the group stages of CAF's elite club competitions reaches a crucial stage on Friday, with Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates all in action in decisive second-leg preliminary-round matches live on SuperSport.

With qualification for the group stages at stake, all three South African clubs know the importance of avoiding a slip-up as they seek to continue their respective continental campaigns.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the pressure is firmly on heading into their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Red Arrows. Amakhosi suffered defeat in the first leg in Zambia and will need a strong performance at home to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

Chiefs will take confidence from playing in front of their own supporters, knowing that a victory is essential if they are to extend their return to continental football.

Sundowns find themselves in a more favourable position after securing an important result in the first leg against Angolan side Wiliete.

The Brazilians have put themselves in control of the tie, but coach Miguel Cardoso's men will be wary of complacency as they look to finish the job and secure their place in the next phase of the CAF Champions League. Having established themselves as one of Africa's most consistent performers in recent years, Sundowns will be expected to advance.

Pirates also head into their second leg with qualification within reach following a positive first-leg outcome against African Stars.

The Buccaneers know that another disciplined display should be enough to see them through, but continental football has often shown that no advantage can be taken for granted. Pirates will be aiming to continue the momentum that has made them one of South Africa's strongest CAF performers in recent seasons.

With group-stage qualification, prestige and valuable CAF prize money on the line, Friday's fixtures represent a pivotal evening for South African football on the continent.