Orlando Pirates began the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a good 2-0 win over Algeria’s JS Saoura at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
Orlando Pirates 2-0 JS Saoura
Abdeldjalil Saad had a chance for the visitors in the opening minute, but his shot lacked power and Siyabonga Mpontshane saved.
The early action swung to the other end and Pirates were in the lead in just the third minute, Happy Jele following up to tap in after Zakaria Saidi was unable to hold onto Goodman Mosele’s initial attempt.
Belaid Hamidi forced another save from Mpontshane in the 17th minute, with a well struck long range attempt.
Pirates continued to make in-roads into the Algerian’s final third, but they weren’t getting shots away. Similarly Saoura looked good on the flanks on occasion, and sent in a few dangerous crosses, but never threatened Pirates’ goal.
Saoura did have a late chance in the first half, but Olisa Ndah made a good block, and at the break it remained 1-0.
Mohammed Hammia’’s shot in the 51st minute went straight at Mpontshane, while Jele had another chance three minutes later, but his attempt was off target. Hammia’s 55th minute attempt was high and wide.
Hammia went close again in the 64th minute, but this time his volley went just wide of the goal.
A minute later it was 2-0 to Pirates. A swift counter attack saw Bandile Shandu on hand to finish off after getting to the end of Deon Hotto’s low cross. Zakaria’s poor clearance found Mosele, who passed to Thembinkosi Lorch, who’s excellent pass set Hotto clear.
That goal took the wind out of the Algerians, and while they tried to make in roads, Pirates managed the game to full time.
Meanwhile South African striker Fagrie Lakay made his CAFCC debut for Egyptian club Pyramids FC. He was in the starting line-up in his first official game for the club, as they won 2-1 against Ahli Tripoli.
