Orlando Pirates progress into CAF Champions League second round

Orlando Pirates came into the match knowing they needed a positive result after the two sides played to a goalless draw in the first leg.

Abdeslam Ouaddou was forced to make several changes to his starting XI because of injuries and suspensions.

HOW DID ORLANDO PIRATES TURN THE GAME AROUND?

Ghampani Lungu and Tshepang Moremi missed out, while Kabelo Kgositsile, Neo Rapoo and Yanela Mbuthuma were brought into the team.

The visitors, however, made the perfect start when Jean Ami opened the scoring after just six minutes. A mix up involving goalkeeper Sipho Chaine allowed Ami to find the back of the net.

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Orlando Pirates responded almost immediately and levelled the scores just two minutes later. Kabelo Kgositsile opened his account for the club when he turned home a cross from Masilela.

The equaliser gave the Buccaneers renewed confidence as they continued searching for the goal that would put them ahead.

Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the turnaround. The attacker combined with Kgositsile before firing the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Orlando Pirates then extended their advantage eight minutes before half time. Yanela Mbuthuma marked his return to the starting XI with his first goal in the competition to make it 3-1.

WHO WILL ORLANDO PIRATES FACE NEXT?

The Buccaneers carried their momentum into the second half, with Oswin Appollis coming close to adding a fourth. His powerful effort was, however, denied by a fine save from Jean Ramdiane.

With Orlando Pirates comfortably in control, Ouaddou made changes for the final stages. Boitumelo Radiopane and Bohlale Ngwato replaced goalscorers Mbuthuma and Kgositsile.

The Buccaneers continued to threaten late on, with Radiopane and Cameron Dansin both going close, but they could not add to their tally.

The 3-1 victory secured Orlando Pirates a place in the second preliminary round. The Soweto giants are now two matches away from reaching the CAF Champions League group stage.

Orlando Pirates will face African Stars of Namibia in the next round after they defeated AS Mangasport.