Pirates Overcome Early Blunder To Crush La Cure Waves To Advance In CAF Next Round

Orlando Pirates have advanced to the CAF Champions League second preliminary round after defeating Mauritian side La Cure Waves 3-1 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The victory saw the Buccaneers progress from the first preliminary round after the first leg ended in a goalless draw in Mauritius last weekend. Pirates made full use of their home advantage, producing an impressive performance to secure their place in the next round.

The first half produced a thrilling four-goal spectacle, with Waves opening the scoring as early as the fifth minute through Jean Ivan Ami.

The opening goal came after a mistake by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, whose poor communication with Sibangani Zulu allowed the visitors to take an early lead.

However, Pirates responded almost immediately, finding the equaliser just two minutes later through Kabelo Kgositsile. The winger finished with a right-footed shot from inside the six-yard area to score his first goal for the club.

Simphiwe Masilela provided the assist for Kgositsile’s goal, also registering his first assist for Pirates.

The Buccaneers continued to dominate proceedings, and their pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele put them ahead. He found the back of the net with a shot from inside the box on the right, directing the ball towards the far post to make it 2-1.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side continued to show their hunger for more goals, and their attacking approach was rewarded again before half-time. Yanela Mbuthuma scored Pirates’ third goal with a header from inside the box towards the right post following a corner kick.

Pirates went into the break leading 3-1 after a first half in which all four goals were scored.

The second half saw the Buccaneers maintain the intensity they had shown before the break as they looked to extend their advantage and put the tie beyond doubt.

Pirates came close to scoring a fourth in the 60th minute when Sebelebele produced a right-footed attempt from inside the box on the right side. However, the Waves goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny the Pirates attacker his second goal of the match.

The Buccaneers continued to pile pressure on Waves and gave the visitors little opportunity to settle defensively throughout the second half.

Despite creating further chances and maintaining their attacking pressure, Pirates were unable to add to their tally as the match eventually ended 3-1 in favour of the Buccaneers.

With their place in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round secured, Pirates will now wait to discover their opponents for the next stage of the competition.

The Buccaneers will turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership, where they are scheduled to face Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday.