Orlando Pirates are through to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Diables Noirs 1-0 in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie at Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
The first leg in Congo-Brazzaville had ended goalless.
Happy Jele put Pirates into the lead in the 18th minute, as he headed in from a corner.
But it was not all one way traffic in the first half and goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane had to be alert on a few occasions, as Diables Noirs sent a number of crosses into the box.
Jele’s goal gave Pirates the lead at the break.
There was a great chance for Blarin Maloula in the 48th minute to level matters, but he was unable to control the ball, and Mpontshane was able to rescue matters.
Pirates went close again in the 57th minute, but a good defensive interception denied Tshegofatso Mabasa an attempt at goal, after a good cross from Fortune Makaringe.
Pirates went close again in the 63rd minute, but this time Darnet Mpea made a good save to deny Deon Hotto, who had come off the bench.
While there was late pressure from the visitors, the Congolese team failed to create real clear cut chances, though did have a late call for a penalty, which was waved away by the referee, and Pirates were able to hold out for the win.
