Orlando Pirates moved closer to qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages as they beat Royal Leopard 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
The victory moves Pirates onto 9 points after four games in Group B, two ahead of Al-Ittihad who visit Saoura in tonight’s other game. Saoura are on four points, while Leopard have none.
Orlando Pirates 3-0 Royal Leopard
A chance fell to Kwame Peprah in the opening minute, but his shot went straight at Leopard captain Ncamiso Dlamini in the Leopard goal.
The eSwatini side created a few half chances in the opening fifteen minutes, but unlike in their previous meeting they were unable to break Pirates’ defence, and the Buccaneers began to take control of the game.
Fortune Makaringe went close in the 23rd minute, but Dlamini made an excellent reflex save to deny the Pirates midfielder.
Deon Hotto had a chance from a free-kick two minutes from the break, but his attempt went just over the goal, and it remained goalless at half-time.
Pirates were in the lead in the 47th minute, as Makaringe scored an audacious attempt from the right wing that left Dlamini with no chance. There was minor controversy as the linesman had his flag up, although possibly for a foul on the goalscorer, but the referee awarded the goal.
It should have been two in the 54th minute, but substitute Terrence Dzvukamanja fired over from close range.
But it was 2-0 in the 56th minute, as Goodman Mosele set up Kabelo Dlamini with a back-heel, and Dlamini finished with aplomb past his namesake.
The Leopard captain denies Dzvukamanja with a good save in the 69th minute, but second later he was beaten by the same player, as the Zimbabwean forward steered a header into the goal.
Pirates could have added more to their tally, but they will be delighted to get back to winning ways, especially after their loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby and exit from the Nedbank Cup in the past week.
