Staff Reporter.
@GalloImages.
Orlando Pirates secured a 3-0 CAF Champions League preliminary victory over Lesotho’s Lioli FC at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates dominated play in the first half, creating a few scoring chances. Thabiso Lebitso was the first to come close to scoring after an opportunity inside the 18-yard box 20 minutes into play, but Lioli goalkeeper William Huni saved his shot.
Two minutes later, Oswin Appollis missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after he was left unmarked inside the 18-yard box with only a keeper to beat, but his shot missed the target.
Thalente Mbatha thought he had found one for the visitors, but his shot hit the side netting on the stroke of halftime.
In the second half, on-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scored with a header from a well-taken corner kick from Deon Hotto in the 53rd minute.
It took only four minutes for Mabasa to score his brace with a low shot inside the 18-yard box after an assist from Relebohile Mofokeng.
Five minutes later, Mabasa missed a chance to score his third after his header missed the target following an excellent cross from Tshepang Moremi.
The two teams will meet again in the second leg on Saturday, 27 September at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto, Johannesburg.