Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates advanced to the CAF Champions League group stages with a 1-0 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in the second preliminary round second-leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Pirates came into this encounter having claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over the Botswana giants in the away-leg, thanks to goals by Tshegofatso Mabasa and Deon Hotto.
The Buccaneers were the happier side at the break after they managed to prevent Jwaneng from scoring, with the teams locked at 0-0 at the half-time break.
Jwaneng continued to pose questions on the Pirates defence in the second half, with Thero Setsile takes a snap shot towards goal in the 49th minute, but his shot went over the crossbar.
A minute later Mabasa almost put the home side in the lead when a cross from the left found him unmarked inside the box, but his header was saved by Phoko Goitseone.
Pirates best chance of the second half fell to Hotto in the 67th minute when he was put through on goals by Mabasa, but Phoko did well to come out of his area to make a good save with his foot.
Monnapule Saleng found a last-minute winner, leading Pirates to a 1-0 victory (3-0 on aggregate) and securing their place in the group stage.
They joined CR Belouizdad, Maniema Union, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly as the first teams in the group stage of the 2024/25 campaign.