CAF CHAMPION LEAGUE
Smiso Msomi|Published
Orlando Pirates booked their place in the CAF Champions League group stage in emphatic fashion, thumping African Stars 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory.
The Buccaneers came into the second leg with a slender advantage after winning the first meeting 1-0, but wasted little time in taking control of the tie in front of their home supporters.
Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, arriving late at the back post before sliding in to poke the ball into an unguarded net.
The attacking midfielder’s finish capped a well-worked move, with Simphiwe Masilela instrumental in the build-up as Pirates doubled their aggregate advantage and strengthened their grip on the contest.
With African Stars struggling to contain the hosts, Pirates struck again on the stroke of half-time through Evidence Makgopa.
Making his first start since returning to the team, the striker found the net in the 44th minute to give the Buccaneers a comfortable 2-0 lead on the night and leave the Namibian champions with a mountain to climb.
Pirates were not finished, however.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced young Mpho Padime at the break, and the substitute made an immediate impact by scoring in the opening minute of the second half.
Padime’s goal put the result beyond doubt, extending Pirates’ lead to 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. Makgopa then added a further gloss to the result in the 77th minute, completing his brace and capping off a commanding performance.
The early second-half strike and late finish further underlined the hosts’ dominance, leaving African Stars with no response to keep their continental campaign alive.
For Pirates, the victory delivers an important objective after the disappointment of last season’s continental campaign. Ouaddou had stressed the importance of returning the club to the Champions League group stage, describing the Buccaneers as a giant of African football.
The Soweto giants have now taken a significant step towards competing among the continent’s leading clubs, with their emphatic performance ensuring there would be no late drama in the second leg.
African Stars arrived in Johannesburg determined not to be intimidated, but Pirates’ attacking quality and control across both legs proved decisive.
Pirates will now turn their attention to the Carling Knockout Cup, where they face Milford FC on Tuesday. After securing their place in the Champions League group stage, the Buccaneers will look to carry that momentum into domestic cup competition as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.