Orlando Pirates stumbled a 1-0 away defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy in the first of their CAF Champions League qualifier in Botswana on Sunday.
The Botswana champs stunned a somewhat subdued Pirates side, and the scoreline could’ve been bigger had a goal not been over-ruled for off-side.
It was Pirates who took early control of the early possession, though it was Galaxy with the first real attempt through Thabang Sesinyi in the second minute. Moments later Phillip Ndlondlo’s shot failed to trouble the Galaxy keeper.
Morena Ramoreboli’s charges began to grow in confidence and Omaatla Kebatho went just wide in the tenth minute, as Galaxy looked to hit on the counter.
And it was the home team who would go in front in the 20th minute, as Daniel Msendami ran onto a deep cross and found the back of the net with a well-struck first-time-shot that had the beating of Richard Ofori.
Lesedi Kapinga, in his first start for Pirates, had a real chance on the half-hour mark, but was unable to keep control after being played in by Souaibou Marou, and Kapinga lost the ball with the goal beckoning.
Souaibou Marou went close with a header in the 36th minute, it just going wide. The Cameroonian had another attempt three minutes later, which saw the same result.
Just before the break, Deon Hotto had a half-chance, but couldn’t get a shot on target, and at the break Galaxy held onto their 1-0 lead.
Five minutes into the second half Kebatho saw a header go wide, as Galaxy looked to extend their lead. Another great opportunity fell to Gilbert Baruti, who rounded Richard Ofori, but he was unable to get his 57th-minute attempt on target.
Galaxy were finding gaps on the counter-attack and a minute later Benson Mangolo raced clear down the right and put the ball in the net, but Pirates’ blushes were saved by a questionable off-side flag.
The Bucs regathered their composure and regained control of possession, but they continued to struggle to create final third chances.
Kabelo Dlamini had a chance in the 75th minute, but his shot was saved by Goitseone Phoko, while Fortune Makaringe’s attempt five minutes later was blocked by Galaxy’s defence.
Ramoreboli’s team stood firm for the final minutes as Pirates looked for the equaliser and Galaxy held on for the win. It was the first time Pirates lost to a team from Botswana in CAF competitions.
The return leg is scheduled to be played at Orlando Stadium on the 29th of September.
