Orlando Pirates take narrow CAF Champions League lead against African Stars

Orlando Pirates claimed a 1-0 away victory over African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Saturday afternoon.

Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal of the match in the 75th minute, giving the Buccaneers a valuable advantage to take into the return fixture. The strike was Moremi’s first in this season’s Champions League and his fifth across all competitions during the campaign.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes to his starting line-up following the midweek victory over TS Galaxy. Oswin Appollis was left on the bench, with Moremi recalled, while Yanela Mbuthuma replaced Boitumelo Radiopane in attack.

The visitors began as the more dangerous side and came close to opening the scoring after about 15 minutes. Siphiwe Masilela’s cross picked out Ghampani Lungu, whose header went narrowly wide of the upright.

Pirates continued to create opportunities as the first half progressed. Full-back Bulelani Sigomoshe released Mbuthuma into the area, but the striker’s finish also drifted wide.

The South African side then appealed for a penalty when Masilela appeared to be pushed inside the box, although the referee did not award one.

African Stars offered little threat before the interval, leaving Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with only one significant intervention to make during a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes.

Pirates maintained the pressure after the restart but again struggled to convert their chances. Mbuthuma was given another clear opportunity shortly before the hour mark when he went one-on-one with African Stars goalkeeper Kasetura, but was unable to find the net.

That proved to be Mbuthuma’s final major contribution, as he was replaced by Evidence Makgopa. With 20 minutes remaining, Nkosinathi Sibisi was also withdrawn, with Nkosikhona Ndaba coming into the defence.

The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute. Moremi finished to put Orlando Pirates in front and secure a slender lead in the tie.

The result gives the Buccaneers an important away win in the CAF Champions League, while African Stars must now overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg.