Orlando Pirates cruised past Cape Town City with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday night in the DStv Premiership.
Pirates welcomed City at Orlando Stadium aiming to bring the CAF Champions League form to the domestic league.
The Buccaneers brushed aside the Comoros side Djabal 4-0 on aggregate in the two-legged preliminary round.
ORLANDO PIRATES TAKE EARLY LEAD
Pirates were quick off the mark after scoring an early goal through in-form Zakhele Lepasa in the ninth minute.
Lepasa took his goal tally to nine in seven matches in all competitions.
The Soweto giants came close to doubling their lead in the 37th minute but Lepasa missed the chances from a close range.
Meanwhile, City struggled to apply any pressure on Pirates as they couldn’t string positive passes.
Referee Michael Mosemeng blew the half-time whistle with Pirates leading 1-0 courtesy of Lepasa’s solitary strike.
Eric Tinkler made double substitutions after the half-time break. They brought in Mark Van Heerden and Relebogile Mokhuoane in place of Keanu Cupido and Brice Ambina.
The changes proved to be fruitful as the Citizens attacked Pirates early in the second-half. However, failed to hit the back of the net as Darwin Gonzalez fired his shot inches away off target.
On the other hand, Pirates pulled off Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng, bringing in Deon Hotto and Kabelo Dlamin 61st minute.
Pirates doubled the lead through Patrick Maswanganyi in the 74th minute and City protested that the ball didn’t cross the line.
Jose Riveiro-coached team held on to win best the Cape Town-based outfit and fourth on the league table with seven points.
Elsewhere, SuperSport United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Golden Arrows at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
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