Orlando Pirates eased into the next round of the CAF Champions League following their commanding 4-0 win over Lioli in the second leg of their First Preliminary Round, which was decided at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
A convincing 7-0 aggregate score sent the Soweto Giants cantering into the Second Preliminary Round, while capping a brief return to the continental competition for the Lesotho Champions. It brought the 1995 African champions a step closer to the group stage of the prestigious tournament, with the winner of the tie between St Eloi Lupopo and Al-Merrikh awaiting in the next round.
Three goals to the good halfway through the tie, the hosts looked to pick up where they left off in what was a dominant first-leg display. They immediately set up camp deep in the Lesotho champion’s territory, where midfielder Sipho Mbule produced the game’s first real opportunity with a looping header from a set piece which landed over the crossbar.
Lioli needed a bit of a helping hand from the Buccaneers in order to get their first chance, and it came in the form of a misplaced pass which helped the visitors turn possession over in a dangerous area. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was however able to get a crucial touch to stop the attack, with Sihle Nduli producing the clearance.
