PIRATES GRABS TOTALENERGIES CAFCL GROUP C BY THE HORNS

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Orlando Pirates defeated Stade d’Abidjan 3-0 in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League match at the Orlando stadium on Saturday evening. Duo-stars sensation Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng rose to the occasion as they carried the team’s attack with Nkota setting an assist for Mofokeng, who rewarded the team by finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute.

Both sides created several promising attacks, pushing relentlessly for a breakthrough but it wasn’t to be with the home heading into the halftime with a lead. In the second half, the Ivorian premier league outfit attempted to respond, launching a few attacks of their own, but the home side’s defence remained disciplined.

The Sea Robbers continued launching numerous attacks to extend their lead and Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi showcased his class by executing a clean swift turn in the box and calmly slotted the ball past Drissa Bamba to double Bucs’ lead.

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 victory sees Pirates go to the summit of group C on eight points, one point adrift of Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC, who surprisingly suffered a 1-0 defeat to CR Beloiuzdad on Friday, with The Chabab sitting on third spot on six points while Stade d’Abidjan remain rock bottom of the group with just a single point.

Pirates will now host Beloiuzdad next with victory set to qualify them for the quarterfinals before wrapping the group stages with a trip to Cairo to face the club of the century.