Tshepang Moremi gives Orlando Pirates first-leg advantage in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates moved closer to the CAF Champions League group stages after Tshepang Moremi’s late goal secured a 1–0 away win over African Stars on Saturday.

Moremi struck in the 75th minute to settle the second preliminary-round first leg and give Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a narrow advantage before next Friday’s return fixture at Orlando Stadium.

The result is a significant boost for Pirates, who are aiming to avoid another early exit after being knocked out at the same stage of the competition last season.

Ouaddou made three changes to the side that beat TS Galaxy in midweek, with midfielder Thalente Mbatha included in the starting line-up. Oswin Appollis was named among the substitutes as he continued to manage an injury.

Pirates were required to balance their domestic schedule with the demands of their continental campaign, and a positive result away from home was a key objective. They were eventually rewarded for their persistence when Moremi found the breakthrough during the final quarter.

His goal gave the Buccaneers the advantage they had been chasing and left African Stars needing to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

The victory puts Pirates in a strong position in the tie, while also offering them an opportunity to move beyond the disappointment of last season’s elimination. However, their place in the group stages is not yet secured.

African Stars will have the chance to respond when the teams meet again, with Pirates now preparing to complete the tie on home soil next Friday.

The Soweto club will take a one-goal lead into the return match at Orlando Stadium. They will need another disciplined display to ensure Moremi’s strike leads them into the next stage of the CAF Champions League.