Orlando Pirates secured a healthy 3-0 lead against Lesotho side Lioli in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round match at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, who started ahead of Evidence Makgopa, was the hero of the day, scoring two quick goals in a four-minute span in the second half to break Lioli’s resistance.

Oswin Appollis added the third in the referee’s optional time when he combined well with Tshepang Moremi, opening his right foot to smash it at the top corner.

Pirates could have had the lead much earlier, as they missed a number of clear chances in the first half against the Lesotho minnows. The match was played in Bloemfontein because Lioli’s home stadium does not meet CAF standards. The decision to play the game close to the border was a logistical one for the club.

The Buccaneers, fresh off their recent MTN8 title victory against Stellenbosch, created numerous opportunities. Appollis had an early shot that went wide, and Thabiso Lebitso was denied from close range by goalkeeper William Huni. Thalente Mbatha also had a chance but shot into the side-netting. With so many missed chances, there was concern that Pirates would regret their profligacy.

At the start of the second half, Pirates made a change, bringing on Moremi, who scored twice off the bench in the MTN8 final. The substitution paid off, as Pirates finally found the breakthrough.

In the 53rd minute, Mabasa peeled away from the defenders to meet Deon Hotto’s corner with a header at the near post, giving Pirates the lead. Just four minutes later, Mabasa added a second goal, finishing at the far corner after a superb pass from Relebohile Mofokeng.

Appollis, who created two chances for Moremi’s two goals in the MTN8 final, was the recipient of the former AmaZulu winger this time around to smash the third goal.

With a three-goal advantage and a dominant performance, Pirates saw out the game without being troubled. They will now head into the second leg at Orlando Stadium next weekend with a comfortable lead.