Orlando Pirates sweep aside African Stars to reach CAF Champions League group stage

Orlando Pirates secured their place in the CAF Champions League group stage with a commanding 4-0 victory over African Stars in the second preliminary round second leg on Friday evening, completing a 5-0 aggregate win.

Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Evidence Makgopa struck either side of half-time. Mpho Padime added the third moments after coming on, while Makgopa completed his brace in the closing stages.

African Stars, the Namibian champions, arrived in South Africa needing to overturn a first-leg defeat but showed early determination to remain in the contest. However, Pirates quickly established control and took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Masilela supplied the cross that allowed Mokobodi to get behind the African Stars defence and finish from close range. The forward nearly added another before the half-hour mark when he moved towards the right side of the six-yard box, evaded a challenge and struck a powerful effort wide.

African Stars created their first opportunity through a free-kick from outside the penalty area, but the attempt failed to trouble Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

The home side continued to dominate and doubled their advantage just before half-time. Simphiwe Masilela split the defence with a pass into the path of Makgopa, who kept his composure to find the net.

Pirates made two changes at the interval despite their comfortable lead, with Mpho Padime replacing Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha coming on for Kabelo Kgositsile.

Padime made an immediate contribution, combining with Makgopa just outside the six-yard area before finishing to score his first goal for the club and extend Pirates’ aggregate advantage.

The development graduate almost scored again 10 minutes later after creating space for a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but his effort went narrowly wide.

With Pirates in complete control, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou also handed goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla his first appearance of the campaign. Dladla replaced Chaine for the remainder of the match.

There was still time for Pirates to add a fourth. Substitute Deon Hotto collected the ball on the left after it had been switched across the pitch and delivered a cross for Makgopa, who tapped in to complete his brace.

The result confirmed Orlando Pirates’ progress to the CAF Champions League group stages after a comprehensive victory over African Stars.