A second-half brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a last-minute goal by Oswin Appollis gave Orlando Pirates a 3-0 win against Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors only made one change from the side that won the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC in Mbombela on Saturday.
Kamogelo Sebelebele, who started the match against Stellies, was not part of the team, with his place taken by Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis.
Meanwhile, Lioli, coached by South African tactician Bongani Maseko, are making their second appearance in the Champions League. Their only previous appearance in the competition came in the 2016/17 edition when they faced Zimbabwe’s CAPS United but lost 2-1 on aggregate.
They were playing the match in South Africa due to the unavailability of a facility that meets the required CAF standards in their native country.
ORLANDO PIRATES SHOW THEIR DOMINANCE AGAINST THE LESOTHO SIDE IN THE FREE STATE
As expected, Pirates dominated play in the first half, creating a few scoring chances. Thabiso Lebitso was the first to come close to scoring after an opportunity inside the 18-yard box 20 minutes into play, but Lioli goalkeeper William Huni saved his shot.
Two minutes later, Appollis missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after he was left unmarked inside the 18-yard box with only a keeper to beat, but his shot missed the target.
Thalente Mbatha thought he had found one for the visitors, but his shot hit the side netting on the stroke of halftime. The two teams went into the half-time break with the score still 0-0.
TSHEGOFATSO MABASA CONTINUES WITH HIS GOOD FORM AFTER SCORING A BRACE AGAINST LIOLI FC
Pirates showed more dominance in the early stages of the second half and were immediately rewarded with a goal. On-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scored with a header from a well-taken corner kick from Deon Hotto in the 53rd minute.
It took only four minutes for Mabasa to score his brace with a low shot inside the 18-yard box after an assist from Relebohile Mofokeng.
Five minutes later, Mabasa missed a chance to score his third after his header missed the target following an excellent cross from Tshepang Moremi.
The two teams will meet again in the second leg on Saturday, 27 September at the Orlando Stadium.
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