Orlando Pirates picked up a comfortable 3-0 win over Al Ahli Benghazi in the CAF Confederation Cup Group A match at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
Pirates returned to the top of Group A on 8 points, Second-placed Enyimba, who are on 6 points, lost to ES Setif later in the evening. Al Ahli and Setif are both on 4 points.
Orlando Pirates 3-0 Al Ahli Benghazi
It was an aggressive and fast paced opening twenty minutes, with Pirates trying to control the possession, but most of the action was taking place in the middle of the park.
Deon Hotto tried an ambitious attempt in the 23rd minute, but his shot flew wide of goal.
Pirates took the lead in the 25th minute, as Ntsikelelo Nyauza’s shot from close range, crossed the goal line, though a defender did try to clear it, he was too late.
Pirates made it 2-0 in the as Tshegofatso Mabasa headed in from a corner in the 40th minute.
Josef Zinnbauer’s team went into the break with a comfortable two goal lead.
Just before the hour mark, Hotto went close from a set piece, but his shot flew over the goal.
In the 68th minute Kabelo Dlamini had an opportunity to increase the lead, but with space to work in, he opted to shoot, and it went wide.
But a minute later Pirates did score, Dlamini finishing after Zuber Ateya initially saved Mabaso’s effort.
Ateya made a good save to deny substitute Vincent Pule in stoppage time, and it was to be the last chance at goal of the game as the referee blew the final whistle a minute or so later.
A good victory for Pirates, who are next in action in the CAFCC against ES Setif on the 21st of April.
