De Sa has blamed their failure to capitalize on home advantage in the first leg of their semi-final clash against Pyramids FC.
The Buccaneers played to a 0–0 draw with the Egyptian side at Orlando Stadium last week, and now face a tough away test at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Friday.
"I watched the Orlando Pirates match against Pyramids, and I was impressed by Pyramids' level," De Sa told Soccer Laduma.
"They played with confidence. It was unfair that they didn't win."
De Sa, who guided Pirates to the CAF Champions League final in 2013, where they lost to Al Ahly, believes Pyramids are in a commanding position to progress.
"I expected Pirates to be more dominant at home. Pyramids are in a very good position now, and I think they are the most likely to qualify."
Still, De Sa warned against underestimating the Buccaneers, acknowledging their danger on the break.
"Of course, Pirates are good at counter-attacking and are still a strong side," he said. "But I don't think they have players who can make a big difference in the second leg. I believe they used their best line-up already."
Currently an assistant coach at Cape Town City, De Sa remains familiar with the continental stage and believes the Egyptian side has the upper hand, unless Pirates can pull off something special in Cairo.
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