Lepasa Leads Orlando Pirates FC into the Second Preliminary Round.
Orlando Pirates Sail into Second Round of CAF Champions League Qualifiers
Orlando Pirates FC displayed their prowess in a resounding 3-0 victory over Djabal Club d’Iconi, securing their place in the second round of the CAF Champions League’s group stage qualifiers with a convincing 4-0 aggregate win. This remarkable victory was achieved under the Friday night lights in Orlando.
Zakhele Lepasa was the star of the evening, netting a brilliant brace, while Patrick Maswangayi also made his mark with a well-taken goal. Notably, Maswangayi had scored the solitary goal in the first leg of this matchup in Comoros.
The Buccaneers, as Orlando Pirates is affectionately known, now eagerly await their second-round opponent, which will be determined by the outcome of the Jwaneng Galaxy vs. Vipers clash. With this impressive victory, Orlando Pirates aims to surpass their performance in the 2013 edition of the competition.
A decade ago, Orlando Pirates dominated Djabal with a resounding 9-0 aggregate scoreline during the preliminary round of the group stage qualifiers, only to fall short in the final against Al Ahly under the stewardship of coach Roger De Sa.
Times have changed since then, but the current Orlando Pirates squad appears to possess the firepower needed for a deep run in the competition. Zakhele Lepasa, in particular, has been in scintillating form, amassing an impressive tally of eight goals in just six matches.
While the Buccaneers entered this contest with a substantial advantage, they understood the importance of maintaining their focus against a determined Djabal side that had held them at bay until the 87th minute in Comoros.
In response, coach Jose Riveiro made the strategic decision to include the in-form striker Lepasa in the starting lineup. Lepasa, who had previously come off the bench to secure victory in the previous leg, proved to be a crucial asset.
The lineup also saw Sipho Chaine reclaiming his position between the goalposts from the experienced Richard Ofori. The absence of a central defensive midfielder meant that Nkosinathi Sibisi occasionally filled that role, reflecting the attacking approach adopted by Orlando Pirates.
The attacking style not only looked promising on paper but also on the field, as Maswanganyi unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, leaving Djabal’s goalkeeper, Anise, helpless.
Orlando Pirates continued to assert their dominance, with their players consistently encamped in Djabal’s half. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, the midfield maestro, orchestrated proceedings with precision.
Although Lepasa was responsible for Orlando Pirates’ first shot on target, it was Ndlondlo who came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar. Lepasa also had a golden opportunity to score but sent the rebound into the stands with an empty net at his mercy.
Nevertheless, Lepasa demonstrated his prowess, soon putting Orlando Pirates in control with a deft glancing header, set up by Kabelo Dlamini. Ndlondlo continued to impress, ensuring a seamless rotation of the ball that delighted the passionate fans who braved the chilly Soweto weather.
Ndlondlo’s remarkable performance continued into the second half, challenging the notion that African football is solely defined by physicality and aggression. Orlando Pirates showcased a different style, one of precise passing and possession, which ultimately paid off.
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Maswanganyi, continuing his brilliant scoring form from pre-season, added another goal to his name. Positioned on the edge of the box, he unleashed a powerful low shot that eluded the diving Anise in goal.
Maswanganyi also played a pivotal role in Lepasa’s second goal, delivering a defense-splitting pass that sealed the victory.
As the final whistle blew, Orlando Pirates remained on course to surpass their 2013 achievements. This comprehensive win not only secured their place in the next round but also sent a resounding message to their competitors in the CAF Champions League: the Buccaneers are back and are a force to be reckoned with.
