After defeating Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 in the first leg of their Second Preliminary Round match at the National Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates gained entry into the CAF Champions League group stages.
The Buccaneers will have a big advantage going into the two-leg matchup that ends at Orlando Stadium in seven days thanks to the outcome. The Buccaneers controlled possession easily in the first few minutes of the game in an attempt to prevent a potential banana peel, but they were unable to get into the hosts’ penalty area. The visitors were unable to capitalize on a series of set pieces that came their way, and this persisted far into the second quarter.
Seven minutes from halftime, Monnapule Saleng did force a save from Jwaneng goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko when he went direct with a free kick from a fair distance out; however, the show stopper made a comfortable stop in the end. Pirates persisted in their efforts, and on the stroke of halftime, Tshegofatso Mabasa took advantage of a clumsy clearance from the home side’s defense to put the visitors ahead from the edge of the box.
In the second half, Dinaledi came out swinging and had a chance to tie the score two minutes after the whistle. Gabriel Baruti attempted to score, but his attempt was unsuccessful as the ball was pushed wide. Despite finding the side-netting, Relebohile Mofokeng was unable to double the Buccaneers’ lead despite having his own opportunity.
The two teams kept exchanging attempts on goal until Baruti made an incredible stop to tip what appeared to be a goalbound shot over the bar. Thalente Mbatha tried to follow suit from a good distance out, but Phoko was able to make an easy save thanks to a deflection inside the box.
