CAF Confederation Cup - Group Stage
Result: AC Leopards 0-1 Orlando Pirates
Date: 27 June 2015
Venue: Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso
Happy Jele scored the only goal of the game to hand Orlando Pirates a 1-0 win over AC Leopards in their CAF Confederation Cup group clash on Saturday afternoon. The home side went close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute but Brighton Mhlongo was on hand to keep out a stinging free-kick from the edge of the area. The were dictating play for most of the first half and nearly opened the scoring with a long range effort that sailed just wide of Mhlongo's upright after the 30-minute mark. Pirates, meanwhile, were on the back foot for most of the first half, while they were sloppy whenever they had possession of the ball. The one positive for Eric Tinkler's side was Issa Sarr, who made a few big challenges in the midfield and was a real threat in the air. Mhlongo once again came to Pirates' rescue just before the halftime break, as the shot-stopper pulled off a fine finger-tip save to ensure both sides went into the break all square. Despite the home side's domination, it was Pirates who broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Happy Jele's well-taken volley from 12-yards out. The home side did see more of the ball as the half went on, although the Buccaneers did restrict the Leopards to long range efforts, one of which sailed inches wide in the 74th minute. With Pirates leading, Tinkler sacrificed Kermit Erasmus for the defence-minded, Thandani Ntshumayelo, with the hope of closing up shop. Tinkler's side manged to see off a late charge Leopards and held on to claim a vital three points in Congo. In the other Group B match played on Saturday, Zamalek joined Pirates at the top of the group as they beat CS Sfaxien 1-0 thanks to a last minute strike. Here's how they started:AC Leopards: (match squad) Lutunu, Ndzana, Mombo, Andzouana, Ngounga, Bissiki, Ndey, Ndougsa, Kalema, Akoll, Gandze, Nkodia, Bidimbou, Mlangounina, Mohikola
Orlando Pirates: Mhlongo, Nyauza, Jele, Sangweni, Matlaba, Sarr, Manyisa, Rakhale, Myeni, Bacela, Erasmus
