Ghana's Accra Hearts of Oak's 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates effectively ended Hearts's hopes of making the first two places in the group and, with it, a place in next month's semi-final.

South Africa's Orlando Pirates put their African Champions League hopes back on track with a 1-0 away win over the Phobians on Sunday in Obuasi.

Hearts of Oak's goalless run is now extended to four matches in the group phase.

Pirates got the match winner through DR Congo striker Blaise Mbele, who scored in the 57th minute expertly chipping the onrushing goalkeeper to hand Pirates a victory which puts them second in Group B.

Pirates, who drew their first three matches, have six points, one more than Enyimba of Nigeria, who were held to a goalless draw at home by ASEC Abidjan in Group B's other match.

Pirates started the game cautiously but took advantage of an early injury to defender Edward Malinga to put on striker Tyren Arendse and play a more expansive game.

The breakthrough came when Benedict Vilakazi, returning from injury, stole the ball in midfield and passed forward for Mbele to outsprint the defence.

Hearts had several chances but were let down by poor shooting.

Substitute Alfred Nii Larbi came closest when his late header was tipped on to the crossbar by Pirates' goalkeeper Francis Chansa.