Orlando Pirates took a big step towards qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a 2-0 win away to LPRC Oilers on Sunday evening.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: LPRC Oilers 0-2 Orlando Pirates
Date: 28 November 2021
Venue: Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex
Tshegofatso Mabasa was thrown into the Pirates line-up in place of KwamePeprah while Kwanda Mngonyama replaced Olisah Ndah in the defence following Wednesday's win over Stellenbosch.
The Soweto giants come into the play-off round after seeing off Diables Noirs, while Oilers dropped down from the Champions League after falling to Raja Casablanca.
The Buccaneers did see a bit of the ball in the early stages of the encounter, but they had to wait until the 21st minute for a sight at goal when Terrence Dzvukamanja rattled the upright.
Pirates conceded a penalty six minutes before the halftime break after a handball in the 18-yard area. However, Ebenezer Solo was unable to take advantage after firing off target from 12-yards out.
Oilers were made to pay for that miss minutes later as Mabasa broke the deadlock for Pirates with his third goal of the campaign across all competitions.
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The Pirates coaching duo opted for a change early in the second half, with Dzvukamanha making for Bongani Sam seven minutes after the break.
Siyabonga Mpontshane was called upon just after the hour mark as the Pirates shot-stopper rushed off his line to thwart Brandon Debah after the striker lost Mngonyama.
The visitors managed to carve out a couple chances of their own as Deon Hotto forced a save out of the Oilers shot-stopper after working some space for himself.
Pirates went on to seal the win in second-half stoppage time as Fortune Makaringe nodded a cross from Sam to put his side in a comfortable position ahead of the second leg next weekend.
Here's how they started:
Pirates: Mpontshane, Nyauza, Mngonyama, Mabaso, Mako, Motshwari, Makaringe, Hotto, Mntambo, Dzvukamanja, Mabasa.
Subs: Sandilands, Shandu, Maela, Sam, Monare, Makgaka, Mhango
