Pirates sweep aside Namibians to storm CAF CL group stages

Orlando Pirates stormed back into the CAF Champions League group stages following a clinical performance against Namibian side African Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

Pirates, who exited at the second preliminary round last season, had no such problems this term as having won the first leg 1-0 away last Saturday, they turned on the style on home turf, claiming a 4-0 second leg win and 5-0 on aggregate.

Thapelo Mokobodi of Orlando Pirates playing against African Stars. Image: Orlando Pirates

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team had no mercy for their Namibian visitors as they took just 18 minutes to break the deadlock and in some style.

A great move forward saw Simphiwe Masilela cross well into the box and Thapelo Mokobodi swept the ball home for 1-0 and 2-0 on aggregate.

Masilela’s second assist, Padime’s first goal

Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates after scoring against African Stars. Image: Orlando Pirates

Pirates kept asking the questions but had to wait until on the stroke of halftime for the second goal. Masilela provided his second assist of the game as he threaded forward a defence-splitting pass which got Evidence Makgopa on his bike and the striker fired home with authority for 2-0 on the night.

That came five minutes after Makgopa had missed from close range after a brilliant cross from Tsehpang Moremi.

By now, the tie was over for African Stars but they would face more trouble after the break as just a minute after restart, the Buccaneers were celebrating a third goal.

Paul Padime of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal. Image: Orlando Pirates

The Soweto giants went on a quick counter attack with some neat passing before the ball fell to youngster Paul Padime who hammered in his first senior goal for the club.

Shortly after, Pirates suffered a setback as first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine went down injured and he was seen holding his calf before receiving medical attention.

Pirates suffer Chaine setback but score more

After treatment on the pitch, Chaine was taken off with a strapping around his calf to be replaced by Siyabonga Dladla.

Evidence Makgopa after scoring against African Stars in the CAF Champions League. Image: Orlando Pirates

This did not deter Pirates as they continued attacking and 13 minutes from time, the fourth goal arrived.

Another quick move forward saw Deon Hotto cross delightfully and Makgopa was there to sweep home to complete his brace and 5-0 on aggregate for the Buccaneers.

Pirates now return to the group stages and shockingly, they are now the only South African side in the competition, following the shock elimination of defending Champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who played out a 1-1 draw at home to Angolan side Wiliete SC, to lose on the away goals rule.