In their bid to claim their second Caf Champions League title, Orlando Pirates have a daunting assignment ahead of them, as they face defending champions, Esperance de Tunis in Soweto on Friday night.

The Buccaneers currently top Group B, after a convincing 3-0 win over Horoya AC of Equatorial Guinea at Orlando Stadium, while Esperance were also victorious, beating Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum 2-0 to go second on the table.

With four points apiece, the two sides are level on points, with Pirates edging the Tunisian giants on goal difference, and Bucs coach Milutin Sredojevic would like to see his charges break away from the pack by taking advantage of home advantage.

“We need to take advantage at home before going there because we are going into very cold conditions in Tunis,” Sredojevic said on the CAF website.

“A win will certainly boost our chances in the group ahead of the return leg.”

However, confidence in the Pirates camp will not be at its highest, having come off disappointing results in domestic competition since thumping Horoya.

The Sea Robbers had to fight back from a goal down to salvage a draw in a home league game against Baroka, before suffering a first-round exit in the Nedbank Cup, thanks to Black Leopards, who prevailed via a penalty shootout.

Esperance, on the other hand, progressed to the second round of the Tunisian Cup, beating Gabes 1-0 away from home, a result which was preceded by a 2-2 draw against CA Bizertin, whom they were also visiting.

Coach, Mouine Chaabani believes his charges are on the right track to claim a fourth Champions League title.

“Securing the three points was our main objective in this second game. Our opponents posed no threat to us,” Chaabani said.

“We were well prepared to handle their counter-attacks. We are on the right track with the four points we have so far.”

Kick-off is at 21:00.