Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Champions League group stages with a 3-0 aggregate win over Jwaneng Galaxy.
CAF Champions League
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Jwaneng Galaxy (3-0 on agg.)
Date: 21 September 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Coach Jose Riveiro made two changes from the win over Chippa on Wednesday evening, as there was a recalls for Kabelo Dlamini in midfield while new signing Gilberto got his first start.
The Botswana outfit looked to get an early goal and made their intensions known early on, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was equal to all the early efforts in the opening 15 minutes.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, started seeing more of the ball as the first half went on, with Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng causing a bit of havoc in the final third although clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
That was as good as it got for the Soweto giants, as Galaxy goalkeeper Phoko Goitseone barely had a serious save to make in the opening 45 minutes.
The Buccaneers had to wait until the 50th minute for their first opening at goal when Gilberto did well to pick out Saleng in the box, but the skilful winger's header was saved by the Galaxy shot-stopper.
The hosts should have gone ahead in the 67th minute when some neat passing sent Deon Hotto through on goal, however the Namibian forward was denied Phoko in the one-on-one situation.
Galaxy nearly set up a nervy finish when Wendell Rudath made his way towards goal, but Olisah Ndah popped up with the vital interception to reserve Chaine's clean-sheet.
The Buccaneers would go on to get the winning goal in second-half stoppage time as Saleng got his name on the score-sheet to seal the win in the second leg and the spot in the group stages.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Ndah, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini, Gilberto, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Mofokeng, Sibisi, Mbatha, Maela, Kimvuidi, Rasebotja, Moleleki, Radiopane.
