Orlando Pirates secured a 2-0 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg on Saturday afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Result: Jwaneng Galaxy 0-2 Orlando Pirates
Date: 14 September 2024
Venue: Botswana National Stadium
Coach Jose Riveiro handed an official debut to Deano van Rooyen at right-back, while young striker Boitumelo Radiopane was named on the bench for the first time this campaign.
The Buccaneers will certainly have not forgotten about the meeting between the two sides at the same stage last year, which ended with Galaxy winning the first leg 1-0.
The visitors were a lot more livelier in the first half this time around, with Monnapule Saleng causing a bit of problem down the flank although the Galaxy goalkeeper was yet to be tested in the opening 20 minutes.
The Botswana outfit, meanwhile, had to wait until 30 minute mark for an opening at Sipho Chaine's goal but Omaatla Kebatho was unable to steer his header on target form close range.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening of the host, but the Buccaneers grabbed the opening goal before the break as Tshegofatso Mabasa found the back of the net.
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The Botswana champions came out firing in the second period and went close to pulling themselves level ten minutes after the break, but Chaine produced a good save to keep out Baruti.
Riveiro refreshed the Buccaneers attack for the final 20 minutes as Rodiopane made his first appearance for the senior side this season, replacing the goal scorer Mabasa, while Nkosinathi Sibisi replaced Relebohile Mofokeng.
The visitors pushed for more goal in the latter stages of the second period and made the game safe with 13 minutes to play when a well orchestrated counter-attack ended with Deon Hotto smashing home from close range.
Pirates will be in action on Wednesday evening against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Ndah, Sesane, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Gilberto, Dlamini, Maela, Kimvuidi, Rasebotja, Moleleki, Radiopane
