Orlando Pirates squeeze past African Stars in CAF Champions League

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Orlando Pirates squeeze past African Stars in CAF Champions League
Simphiwe Selepe of Orlando Pirates in action against African Stars, Image - Orlando Pirates

Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal as Orlando Pirates beat African Stars in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League staged at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday.

Bucs started with Kamogelo Sebelebele on the bench alongside Deon Hotto with Bulelani Sigomoshe getting his chance. Simphiwe Selepe and Simphiwe Masilela also made the first XI.

The goalless first half

The defending Premier Soccer League champions were determined to underline their quality in the continent, explaining their good start in early exchanges, with Gamphani Lungu causing trouble.

In the 19th minute, Yanela Mbuthuma had a good chance to find the back of the net after being played in by Tshepang Moremi, but goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura was there to deny him.

Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates
Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Simphiwe Masilela had a one-on-one with the goalkeeeper but took time to make his decision which gave the defenders time to recover. Both Lungu and Mbuthuma had half-chances to score, however, they failed to take them.

On the other end, Sipho Chaine was rarely troubled in the first half, but had to be alert in the 36th minute to stop the Stars from scoring against the run of play.

Moremi to the rescue!

The lively Moremi caused all sorts of problems to the defenders with his pace, but was well defended. Though, the Bafana Bafana international could have done better in the 57th minute.

Once again, Mbuthuma had a massive chance, in the 57th minute, as he was played in. But despite having only the goalkeeper to beat, he took time allowing the custodian to stop him.

Pirates finally had their goal in the 75th minute when South Africa attacker Moremi who finally beat Kasetura to give his team a massive advantage. It was his fifth goal for the Buccaneers in 10 outings.

Ouaddou’s men will now be aiming at completing the job on Friday at the Orlando Stadium to make the group stage.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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