The Congolese hosts kicked off proceedings in ideal fashion. Striker Ramos Kashala Wanet opened the scoring in the third minute of the match when he blasted the ball beyond Pirates stopper Sipho Chaine.
The Buccaneers pushed to level things up, with forward Evidence Makgopa carving out a chance around 15 minutes in, only for his shot to be denied by a sharp save from Lupopo keeper Simon Ommossola.
However, the hosts suffered a setback just ten minutes shy of halftime. Nigerian midfielder Rafael Oliseh limped off injured, making way for substitute Dramane Kambou, as the teams went down the tunnel for the halftime break.
Looking to inject energy into the tie, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou brought on Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha in the second stanza and it nearly paid off immediately.
Appollis' effort on the hour mark had Ommossola beat, but it went just wide of the right post.
But the hosts were unperterbed. They doubled their lead through substitute Dramane Kambou in the 70th minute when he pounced on a loose ball and beat a hapless Chaine.
The Soweto giants then left themselves with a mountain to climb in the second leg at home when they conceded a third goal via the boot of teenager Jean Benoit Tukumban.
Mandla Ncikazi has credited Orlando Pirates for playing a significant role in his development as a coach, insisting that maintaining good relationships helped pave the way for his return to Golden Arrows.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged his players to believe they can end the club's 31-year wait for a second CAF Champions League title after securing their place in the group stages.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that his team's mistakes and failure to manage their emotions proved costly as they suffered a shock elimination from the CAF Champions League.
Orlando Pirates breezed into the CAF Champions League group stage after a dominant 4-0 victory over Namibian side African Stars at the Orlando Stadium to secure a 5-0 aggregate victory.
