Mabasa’s brace leads Pirates to victory

ORLANDO Pirates got their CAF Champions League campaign off to a flying start with a 3-0 victory over Lioli FC in the preliminary round clash in Bloemfontein, as Tshegofatso Mabasa struck a quickfire brace before Oswin Appollis sealed the win late on yesterday.

- SMISO MSOMI

The Buccaneers entered the tie as overwhelming favourites, but the opening half proved an exercise in frustration. They dominated territory and possession, with Deon Hotto central to much of their attacking play.

In the 11th minute, Hotto’s set piece found Relebohile Mofokeng, who chipped dangerously into the area, only for Lioli goalkeeper William Huni to gather before a Pirates striker could pounce.

Huni was the visitors’ key figure, producing a string of interventions to keep them in the contest. He pulled off a sharp stop to deny Sipho Mbule’s close-range header in the 30th minute after Hotto’s cross had caused panic.

Moments earlier, Lebone Seema had gone close with a header that flew narrowly wide, while Appollis and Mofokeng both probed with dangerous runs into the box but found no breakthrough.