Mabasa Stars as Pirates Secure Convincing Victory in Champions League Opener

After a frustrating first half, Orlando Pirates ignited their CAF Champions League journey with a powerful second-half display to defeat Lioli FC 3-0. 

It was a tale of two halves for the Buccaneers, who saw their patient possession finally rewarded with a Tshegofatso Mabasa double and a late strike from Oswin Appollis.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for a fresh attacking look, re-introducing Mabasa and Appollis to the starting lineup. Pirates immediately asserted their authority, pinning Lioli back and unleashing a series of shots. 

Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha went close early, but the Lesotho-based side's disciplined defense held firm, frustrating the Soweto giants. 

Despite slick interplay between Mofokeng, Appollis, and Sipho Mbule, the first half ended goalless, with Pirates' best chance—a close-range header from Mbule—foiled by the Lioli keeper.

Whatever Ouaddou said at the break, it worked. The coach immediately brought on Dansin and Tshepang Moremi, and the change in energy was palpable. The breakthrough came just seven minutes after the restart, with Mabasa heading home a corner to finally get on the scoresheet.

HOW MABASA FOUND HIS BRACE AGAINST LIOLI

The striker wasn't done yet, completing his brace only four minutes later. This time, he latched onto a precise pass from Mofokeng and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, putting Pirates firmly in control.

With a comfortable two-goal cushion, Ouaddou continued to rotate his squad, giving valuable minutes to Masindi Nemtajela and Nkosikhona Ndaba. 

Appollis then put the final nail in the coffin in stoppage time, unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net. The 3-0 result gives Pirates a significant advantage heading into the away leg.