Goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Deon Hotto in each half gave Orlando Pirates a huge advantage in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League as they defeated Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 in the first leg of the tie at the Botswana National stadium on Saturday.
Pirates dominated proceedings from the opening half, however squandered a couple chances before scoring the opener. In the opening 10 minutes Thalente Mbatha crossed to Monnapule Saleng in the box but the latter was beaten by Galaxy’s goalkeeper’s quick reaction.
Saleng was involved in another goal creation in the 14th minute when he passed to Patrick Maswanganyi but Tito’s first touch let him down.
Pirates won a set-piece in the 24th minute, Saleng stepped up but it was cleared for a corner which the Buccaneers did not capitalise on. The home side had an opportunity four minutes from that from Rudath Wendel, however Thabiso Sesane was there to make light of the effort.
Jose Riveiro’s men won two free-kicks after this which they wasted but in injury time of the half Mabasa curled a volley from outside the box to break the deadlock and give Pirates a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second half Pirates made no changes while Galaxy brought in Gilbert Baruti for Mxolisi Mkhonto. The change almost brought immediate impact with Baruti firing at Sipho Chaine from range however his efforts went wide.
Pirates could have doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Tito passed to Relebohile Mofokeng but the youngster hit the side of the net.
It was Baruti again four minutes later with a rocket shot to try to level for his side, but Chaine pulled a super save to deny him. Galaxy won a set-piece just before the hour mark which looked dangerous but Olisa Ndah cleared.
All the pressure from the hosts amounted to nothing as they eventually conceded a second goal, a beauty by Deon Hotto from the foot of Maswanganyi in the 78th minute.
The second leg is scheduled for Orlando stadium next Saturday.
