Orlando Pirates recover from early howler to sweep past La Cure Waves in Orlando
A three-goal first-half blitz ensured Orlando Pirates put an end to any potential upset, comfortably dispatching Mauritian side La Cure Waves at Orlando Stadium.
Orlando Pirates advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers after defeating La Cure Waves 3-1 in the second leg of their first preliminary round tie at Orlando Stadium. The match came after a goalless draw in the first leg in Mauritius. Despite this, the Orlando faithful witnessed four first-half goals from Pirates, which effectively ended the tie in the opening 45 minutes, despite an early scare.
In the second leg, Pirates will face Namibian outfit African Stars. African Stars bounced back from a 3-1 loss to the Gabonese side AS Mangasport in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Waves took an early lead in the six-minute mark when goalkeeper Sipho Chaine's routine clearance led to Jean Ami tapping the ball into an empty net.
However, Pirates quickly retaliated. Kabelo Kgositsile, who was brought into the lineup alongside Neo Rapoo and Yanela Mbuthuma, capitalized on a slick move and scored from close range in the 25th minute. Kamogelo Sebelebele extended Pirates' lead in the 25th minute after Sebelebele was set up by Kgositsile, finishing smartly from a tight angle.
Pirates dominated the remainder of the first half with waves of attacks. Mbuthuma added a third from a corner eight minutes before halftime, giving the South African champions a comfortable two-goal cushion. Despite missing several chances in the second half, Pirates never appeared in danger of losing control of the tie.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
