Bucs Secure Commanding Confed Cup Win In Libya
Orlando Pirates took a commanding lead in their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final tie after defeating Al Ahli Tripoli 2-0 in Libya on Sunday night.
Ben Motshwari and Peprah were recalled to the Buccaneers starting line-up as Terrence Dzvukamanja and Linda Mntambo dropped to the bench after the loss to TS Galaxy.
The Soweto giants got off to the perfect start as Innocent Maela got the opening goal after just eight minutes with a close-range finish following an error from the Al Ahli shot-stopper.
Al Ahli gained a bit of the ball as the first half went on but they struggled to trouble Richard Ofori, as the visitors went on to double their lead in the 29th minute.
Bafana Bafana international Goodman Mosele was the man to get his name on the score-sheet with a finish in the box as the visitors secured an important second away goal.
The hosts had a bit of sight at goal in the closing stages of the first half, but Ofori was largely untested as the Buccaneers went into the break with a two-goal advantage.
Pirates carried the momentum over to the second half, as Peprah, Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto managed to force goalkeeper Muhammad Nashnoush into a few saves in the opening 15 minutes.
With the visitors sitting on a commanding lead, the Pirates coaches opted to introduce Thulani Hlatshwayo in defence, with Bandile Shandu making way for the final 20 minutes of the second half.
Siphesihle Ndlovu almost secured a third goal for the Buccaneers against the run of play after being slipped through on goal, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide of the mark.
There were a couple stoppages due to the lights at the stadium going out but once play resumed, Pirates defended deep and in numbers to hold off the home side for the win and clean sheet ahead of the second leg next weekend.
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