Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will host their CAF Champions League second legs on Friday night, with both South African clubs aiming to secure places in the main tournament.
The outcome of their respective ties will be decided on 23 October, as the two sides continue their pursuit of continental success.
Orlando Pirates face African Stars at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, with kick-off at 20:00. Mamelodi Sundowns meet Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, also at 20:00. The fixture details are listed on the respective Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns websites.
Pirates take a 1-0 advantage into their meeting with African Stars after Tshepang Moremi scored a late winner in the first leg on 17 October.
The South African side will be expected to seek another victory, although a low-scoring draw would also be enough to take them through. African Stars, meanwhile, are still hoping to reach the CAF Champions League for the first time.
According to The Namibian, African Stars manager Gerald Guther said his side had not been eliminated yet, despite the defeat in the opening match.
Pirates are determined to progress to the CAF Champions League group stage, according to Times Live. Their manager Abdeslam Ouaddou previously described advancing from the preliminary round as a “big target”.
The Soweto club were eliminated at the same stage last season, when they lost to Congolese side Lupopo on penalties.
Sundowns must find a way through against Wiliete after the teams played out a goalless draw in Angola last week. The defending champions were held by an opposition side that has pushed them to the limit, as expected.
Manager Miguel Cardoso acknowledged that Sundowns needed to be stronger, as cited by Africa Soccer. The club are also dealing with injuries, with Teboho Mokoena forced off during the first leg.
Wiliete will look to former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto and team-mate Mabululu to provide the attacking threat. The Angolan club were eliminated in the CAF Champions League preliminary round last year and will be determined to improve on that campaign.
Sundowns, however, have developed a habit of leaving their progress until the second leg before finally securing a place in the next round.
Both South African clubs now face decisive home fixtures, with Pirates protecting a narrow lead and Sundowns needing to overcome a tie that remains completely open after the first meeting.
