Staff Reporter.
@BackpagePix.
Orlando Pirates secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan in their CAF Champions League group stage clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The result elevated Pirates to the top of the group standings with two matches remaining.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Relebohile Mofokeng slotted a composed finish into the centre of the net after being set up by Mohau Nkota.
Pirates controlled the tempo throughout the first half, heading into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
The Buccaneers doubled their lead early in the second half through Patrick Maswanganyi, who found the bottom left corner after receiving another precise assist from Nkota.
With Stade d’Abidjan struggling to create clear opportunities, Pirates maintained their momentum.
Deon Hotto sealed the victory in the 85th minute, scoring from close range to cap off a fast break.
The visitors rarely threatened Orlando Pirates’ defence, as the South African outfit secured their second win of the group stage.
The victory takes Orlando Pirates to eight points, one ahead of Al Ahly, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Belouizdad on Friday.
Belouizdad sits in third place with six points, while Stade d’Abidjan remains bottom with a single point.
With two matches left in the group stage, Pirates are well-positioned for quarter-final qualification. They will next face Al Ahly in Cairo in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Earlier on Saturday, Young Africans (Yanga) delivered a spirited comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium keeping their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League hopes alive.
The victory sees the Tanzanian side move to third place in Group A with four points, while Mazembe sit bottom with just two points.