Orlando Pirates reach Caf Champions League group stage with 5-0 win over African Stars

Orlando Pirates have secured a place in the Caf Champions League group stage after completing a 5-0 aggregate victory over African Stars of Namibia.

The South African club followed last Saturday’s 1-0 first-leg win in Gaborone, Botswana, with a convincing 4-0 victory in Friday’s second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Thapelo Mokobodi and Evidence Makgopa scored before half-time to give Pirates a commanding advantage in front of their home support. Mpho Phadime added a third shortly after the restart, before Makgopa completed the scoring 12 minutes from the end to finish with two goals.

The result makes Orlando Pirates the sole South African representatives in the group stages of this season’s competition.

Pirates made a fast start as Mokobodi opened the scoring and Makgopa soon doubled their lead. They continued to control the match after the interval, with substitute Phadime making an immediate impact.

The youngster scored with his first touch after replacing Tshepang Moremi, who had scored the only goal of the first leg in Botswana.

Deon Hotto provided the assist for Makgopa’s second goal as the forward marked his return from injury with a brace.

It is the second successive season in which the Buccaneers have reached the group stage of the money-spinning Champions League. They were eliminated in the semi-finals last season, when the competition was won by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates will now turn their attention to the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup. They host PSL newcomers Milford FC in Orlando on Tuesday.

Their next league fixture is a major Soweto meeting with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 31.