Orlando Pirates ascended to the summit of CAF Champions League Group C after a resounding 3-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deon Hotto found the back of the net, capping off a memorable afternoon in Soweto as the packed stadium erupted in celebration.

The Soweto Giants, who entered the match in third place with five points from three games, were spurred into action after CR Belouizdad stunned Al Ahly in Algeria on Friday night. Pirates seized the opportunity, climbing to the top of Group C with eight points from four matches, one point ahead of Al Ahly and two clear of third-placed Belouizdad.

Pirates opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Mofokeng. The goal materialized after a series of incisive passes carved open the Abidjan defense. Mohau Nkota dispossessed goalkeeper Drissa Bamba, who had ventured off his line to thwart the danger, allowing Mofokeng to tap into an empty net.

This was Mofokeng’s second consecutive goal, having scored the winner against Magesi in the Betway Premiership last weekend.

The young midfielder had also been influential in the previous encounter against Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast. He was brought down in the penalty area, leading to Evidence Makgopa’s spot-kick, before Stade d’Abidjan equalized.

However, the Ivorian side struggled to find an equalizer this time. Maswanganyi doubled Pirates’ lead in the 50th minute. He skillfully maneuvered past Adama Traore in the box and finished with a low right-footed shot past Bamba. Nkota once again provided the assist with another incisive pass.

Nkota had the opportunity for a hat-trick of assists in the 64th minute. He delivered another brilliant cut-back pass to Maswanganyi, but the midfielder’s shot sailed wide.

Maswanganyi came close to adding a second goal for himself and a third for Pirates, but his curling effort from Mofokeng’s pass narrowly missed the target. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro subsequently substituted Maswanganyi, granting him some rest ahead of the upcoming away match against Cape Town City.

Pirates were presented with another clear-cut chance to score when a collision between Stade d’Abidjan defenders left Boitumelo Radiopane with a clear sight of goal. However, he hesitated, unsure whether to shoot or cross, with the unmarked Mofokeng positioned near the near post.

Pirates finally sealed the deal in the 85th minute. Hotto sprinted clear from the center circle and powered a low shot past Bamba. Radiopane, who had missed the earlier opportunity, intercepted the ball and was credited with the assist.

Riveiro celebrated with uncharacteristic exuberance, raising his arms in delight.

The victory places Pirates in a strong position to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.