Pirates secure crucial win against Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana
Goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Deon Hotto secured Orlando Pirates a crucial 2-0 win against Jwaneng Galaxy in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary match at National Stadium, Gaborone on Saturday.
The Botswana side were looking at repeating last season’s upset over the Buccaneers.
It was Galaxy who denied Pirates a path to the group stages last season at the same stage. Last season, Galaxy won 1-0 in Botswana while the Buccaneers won by the same scoreline but lost in penalties.
HARD FOUGHT WIN FOR ORLANDO PIRATES AGAINST JWANENG GALAXY IN BOTSWANA
New signing Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC also made his official debut for the club playing in the right-back position. The first real chance came in the 14 minutes after a good run by Monnapule Saleng on the right-hand side found Patrick Maswanganyi inside the 18-area.
But his first touch let him down.
Jwaneng also had their fair share of chances but found the Buccaneers’ defense solid. Bafana Bafana international Relebohile Mofokeng created a decent chance for the visitors on the half-hour mark but Thalente Mbatha failed to capitalise.
Tempers were flying on the bench of both sides resulting in coach Morena Ramorebodi and Mandla Ncikazi receiving yellow cards. The match went to the half-time break at 1-0 in favour of the visitors.
Jwaneng Galaxy came back from the break a rejuvenated side showing more energy to find an equaliser. But Pirates remained organised making it more difficult for the home side.
THE BUCCANEERS PUT ONE FOOT INTO THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGES
The Buccaneers also saw the return of striker Boitumelo Radiopane who came in for Tshegofatso Mabasa with 30 minutes to go. The change had a positive impact for the Buccaneers who quickly scored a second goal through Deon Hotto after a neat pass from Maswanganyi.
Shouts for a penalty by the home side a few minutes later fell into dead ears as the referee waved play on with 10 minutes to go. The match ended 2-0 in favour of the South African side
The two sides will now meet in the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 21 September.
RELATED STORY: Riveiro sets the bar high for Orlando Pirates