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

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

The South African side had been expected to win at Amstel Arena in Orlando on Saturday after being held to a goalless draw by the Mauritian club in the first leg last Sunday. Instead, they fell behind after only six minutes before responding with three goals before half-time.

La Cure took the lead when Sipho Chaine’s attempted clearance was blocked by Jean Ami, who followed up to score into an unguarded net. Chaine was the only player in Abdeslam Ouaddou’s starting line-up with previous experience in this competition.

The early goal briefly unsettled Pirates, but they soon imposed themselves through short passing in the visitors’ half. Kabelo Kgositsile levelled in the eighth minute after combining with Simphiwe Masilela on the left.

Pirates continued to threaten from both flanks, with Kgositsile and Kamogelo Sebelebele causing particular problems on the right. Sebelebele completed the turnaround in the 25th minute, putting the hosts in front.

Yanela Mbuthuma then extended the advantage 12 minutes before the interval, heading in Thapelo Mokobodi’s corner to give Ouaddou’s team a 3-1 lead and a firm grip on the tie.

Pirates were unable to add to their advantage in the second half despite a series of substitutions by Ouaddou. They were also facing opponents making their debut in the competition, but could not take further opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.

The victory moves Pirates into the next stage, although their prospects of progressing much further remain uncertain as Ouaddou works to rebuild the squad. Several of the club’s more established players joined overseas teams before the start of the current campaign.

Only Chaine and Oswin Appollis had continental experience in Ouaddou’s starting XI, with most of the remaining players in their first season with the Soweto club.

Pirates will face either African Stars of Namibia or AS Manga Sport of Gabon in the next round. A place in the group stages remains possible, but the South African side will need to improve after their subdued second-half performance against La Cure.