Orlando Pirates overcome early scare to reach CAF Champions League second qualifying round

Orlando Pirates recovered from an early setback to beat La Cure Waves 3-1 and progress to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

The South African side had been held to a goalless draw by the Mauritian club in last week’s first leg, a result regarded as disappointing against opposition with amateur status. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team were therefore expected to produce a much stronger performance at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Instead, Pirates fell behind in the sixth minute after a counter-attack exposed an error from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Yanela Mbuthuma initially appeared to have put La Cure ahead, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The visitors immediately attacked again, and when Chaine attempted to clear a through ball, it ricocheted off an opposing attacker, who followed up to score into an unguarded net.

Pirates responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, Kabelo Kgotsitsile restored parity, giving the hosts a platform to take control of the tie.

Kamogelo Sebelebele then put Pirates in front before the interval, while Mbuthuma added another goal before half-time to establish a comfortable advantage.

The home side continued to threaten after the break, with Oswin Appollis coming close to extending the lead. His long-range effort took a deflection and struck the crossbar.

The match also provided valuable experience for two emerging players in Ouaddou’s squad, Neo Rapoo and Simphiwe Masilela.

Pirates will now meet the winners of the tie between African Stars of Namibia and Mangasport of Gabon. That subsequent round will determine which team advances to the group stages of Africa’s elite club competition.