Bucs hammer Light Stars 5-1
Orlando Pirates came from a goal behind to romp to a 5-1 victory in their CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg tie against Seychelles side Light Stars at Orlando Stadium last night.
The Premiership log-leaders were denied a couple of good chances before being shocked by Mario Ravo’s 17th minute strike past keeper Jackson Mabokgwane.
One of the culprits for an earlier chance wasted, Thabo Qalinge, levelled matters in the 25th minute after team-mate Kudakwashe Mahachi’s effort was parried in his direction.
Eight minutes before the break Augustine Mulenga (below) put his side in front as he showed his class with a cool finish. Three minutes later the home crowd were cheering once more as midfielder Mpho Makola delighted the fans with a superbly-hit free kick that left Light Stars keeper Romeo Barra no chance.
Just before the break, Mahachi had his goal erased, with Mulenga deemed to have been impacting play from an offside position.
With the job done and already boasting a two-goal cushion, Pirates failed to spark in the second period as their play in the final third became increasingly erratic.
Mahachi was once again the man to create the chance, but his 60th minute effort from the left was wide of the mark.
With time running out and the visitors seemingly content with defeat, the contest was reduced to an even slower pace. The home side finally added to their tally and again it was in fine style as substitute Justin Shonga produced a stunning free kick in time added on.
That goal gave Pirates further enthusiasm for pushing forward and another goal was the result.
Linda Mntambo made it 5-1 after his speculative effort from well outside the box was misjudged by the Stars keeper and it found the back of the net. – ANA
Mamelodi Sundowns have one foot in the next round of Caf Champions League qualifying after defeating Equatorial Guinean side Leones Vegetarianos 2-0 in the first-leg of their preliminary round yesterday at the Estadio de Ebebiyin.
It was Jeremy Brockie’s strike that made sure the Brazilians went into the half time break with their tails up. The striker benefitted from a well-weighted Mosa Lebusa cross to fire home his second goal in three games.
Rivaldo Coetzee made his debut for Masandawana after joining the club over a year ago as he has fully recovered from a foot injury. Midfielder Andile Jali also returned to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in a 0-0 draw against Orlando Pirates this month.
Pitso Mosimane made his first substitution after the hour mark when he withdrew the mercurial Gaston Sirino and brought on striker Ali Meza to revert to a classic 4-4-2 formation.
Soon after, Bafana Bafana internationals combined to double up for Bafana Ba Style. Lebogang Maboe threaded a ball through to Themba Zwane (above), who made no mistake in front of goal, extending Downs’ goal cushion.
“Jingles” then introduced midfield veteran Oupa Manyisa in place of Jali.
The former Buccaneers captain made his first appearance since August, while pacey winger Lyle Lakay was sent on as a reinforcement up front and Brockie was withdrawn.
The Brazilians will host the Equatorial Guinean side in the second leg next month.