Orlando Pirates have secured a 2-0 victory over Botswana champions Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at National Stadium, Gaborone on Saturday.

In a repeat of last season’s encounter in the same stage of the competition, where Ramoreboli’s troops eliminated the sea robbers, Pirates made their intentions clear from the first whistle.

It was the Buccaneers who threatened to draw first blood in the 13th minute after a burst of pace from Monnapule Saleng, with his cutback pass finding Patrick Maswanganyi who couldn’t control the ball inside the box resulting in a corner that was dealt with.

Galaxy had their chance close to the half-hour mark, but their cross was well defended by Thabiso Sesane, allowing Pirates to launch a counter-attack which led to penalty claims on the other end after Tshegofatso Mabasa was brought down. Mabasa came close to opening the scoring from a free-kick delivered by Saleng in the 34th minute but saw his headed effort go over the crossbar.

However, Mabasa eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a lapse in concentration from Galaxy’s defense after a quick one-two in the box from the Soweto giants, ensuring a 1-0 lead at the break.

Riveiro’s men were keen to pick up from where they left off, with Relebohile Mofokeng’s strike finding the side netting five minutes after the half-time break. Three minutes later, second-half substitute Gilbert Baruti drew a spectacular save from Sipho Chaine with a long-range effort from outside the box.

Following the withdrawal of Mofokeng for Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto, who started the match at left-back had the license to go higher up the pitch, which subsequently led to the Buccaneers doubling their lead in the 78th minute as the Namibian pounced on Maswanganyi’s pass.

Thabang Sesinyi looked to bring Galaxy back into the match with a decent strike inside the box in the 89th minute but Chaine was equal to the task, helping his team to seal the win.

Riveiro’s charges walked away with a valuable two away goals cushion ahead of the second leg of the clash that is set to be played at Orlando Stadium on 21 September.