CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates cruise past Lioli

A sharp start to the second half saw heavy favorites Orlando Pirates overcome Lesotho’s Lioli FC in a 3-0 first leg victory from their CAF Champions League qualifying clash on Saturday in Bloemfontein.

Tshegofatso Mabasa’s brace broke the resistance from Lioli, unable to host the first leg due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in Lesotho. The forward nodded in a corner kick service from Deon Hotto in the 53rd minute. Three minutes later, Relebohile Mofokeng’s through pass found Mabasa who produced a composed finish to put the Bucs out of reach before Oswin Appollis added one more in the final seconds with a finish into the top corner of the goal.

Lioli did put in a strong first half effort, defending well against an uninspired Pirates side while creating a couple of half chances on the other end. However, most of the match was spent under siege and the second half featured total domination from Pirates.

The combination of an increased effort from the Betway Premiership runners-up along with a loss of focus from Lioli allowed Pirates to pounce through Mabasa, whose goal total now stands at three goals from six games in all competitions.

The second leg will take place at Orlando Stadium next Saturday, where Pirates are heavy favorites to complete a lopsided aggregate victory. If they progress as expected, a duel against either Sudan’s Al Merreikh or Congolese club Saint-Éloi Lupopo awaits in the final stage of qualifying.