Moremi gives Orlando Pirates slender first-leg lead over African Stars

Orlando Pirates moved closer to the CAF Champions League group stages with a 1-0 victory over African Stars in the first leg of the final qualifying round at Botswana National Stadium on Saturday.

Tshepang Moremi scored 15 minutes from time to give the Buccaneers a narrow advantage before next week’s return match at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pirates controlled much of the contest and created the better opportunities, but were made to wait until the closing stages before breaking through against the Namibian side.

The South African club made a positive start and almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Simphiwe Masilela delivered a corner towards Gamphani Lungu, who sent a diving header narrowly wide.

Moremi was influential in Pirates’ attacking play and soon helped create another opening. His carefully weighted pass released striker Yanela Mbuthuma, but African Stars goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura was quick to react and kept out the attempt.

Masilela also found space inside the box around the half-hour mark, although his progress was halted by a challenge from behind which the referee chose not to penalise.

African Stars gradually settled into the match and began to pose a threat of their own. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine remained alert, however, making sure the hosts could not turn their pressure into an equaliser.

Lungu came close to breaking the deadlock shortly before half-time, but his header drifted just over the crossbar.

Pirates continued to push after the restart, with Moremi and Mbuthuma causing problems for the African Stars defence. Captain Himeekua Ketjijere and his defensive team-mates repeatedly dealt with the danger.

Mbuthuma had another clear chance in the 57th minute when he went one-on-one with Kasetura, but he was unable to get a shot away.

African Stars found it increasingly difficult to break through the Buccaneers’ defence as the second half progressed. Their attacking players Paulus Gideon, Rufus Sackie Jr and Ronaldo Kamatuka struggled to make a decisive contribution.

Pirates finally made their pressure count in the 75th minute. Moremi found the back of the net to give his side the lead and reward their sustained attacking effort.

African Stars pressed for a late equaliser, but Pirates defended firmly to preserve their advantage until the final whistle.

The Buccaneers will complete the tie in front of their home supporters next week. A win or a draw in the second leg will take Orlando Pirates into the CAF Champions League group stages.