New Signings Shine: Double Braces Power Pirates Past Lioli in CAF CL Cruise

Orlando Pirates advanced into the next phase of the CAF Champions League, defeating Lioli FC with a decisive 7-0 aggregate score following a commanding 2-0 win in second-leg.

With the tie effectively settled after the first leg, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou seized the opportunity to demonstrate his squad’s depth. 

Key players like Mbokazi and Hotto dropped to the bench as a mix of emerging and returning talent was handed starts, including Cemran Dansin, Nkosikhona Ndaba, and Evidence Makgopa.

The Soweto giants dictated the tempo from the opening whistle. Sipho Mbule immediately tested the Lioli defense, heading an Appollis cross just over the bar. 

Though Pirates controlled possession, Lioli showed flashes of danger, forcing goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to make crucial stops to maintain the three-goal cushion in a tricky first half.

The pressure finally paid off in the dying seconds of the opening period when Tshepang Moremi curled home a brilliant free-kick, breaking the deadlock and making the aggregate score 4-0.

Moremi quickly doubled his personal tally after the restart with a calm finish, solidifying the lead. Ouaddou continued to manage minutes, notably bringing on goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi for his season debut and injecting further attacking pace with Patrick Maswanganyi and Thabiso Lebitso.

MBUTHUMA OPENING HIS PIRATES GOAL-SCORING ACCOUNT

While Maswanganyi was unlucky to have his powerful strike saved later on, the final word belonged to young striker Yanela Mbuthuma. 

Introduced late in the game, Mbuthuma made an explosive impact, netting a quick-fire late brace—two goals in two minutes—to cap off a 4-0 second-leg victory and confirm Pirates’ strong progress in the competition.