By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the group stage of the CAF Champions League following victories in their respective second preliminary round, second-leg matches.
Monnapule Saleng grabbed a stoppage-time winner for the Soweto giants, who edged Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 to seal a 3-0 aggregate victory at Orlando Stadium.
From the Pirates team that started on Wednesday against Chippa United, coach Jose Riveiro dropped Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha for Kabelo Dlamini and Gilberto, who made his first start in Buccaneers colours.
Galaxy winger Thabang Sesinyi was a thorn in the flesh for the Buccaneers, especially in the first half, but could not get a breakthrough as the visitors sought to get themselves back in
the contest.
After a valiant effort by the Botswana champions, Pirates finally broke the deadlock late in the contest through Saleng’s deft touch past Dinaleng’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
At Lucas Moripe Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns recorded another 4-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows to seal an emphatic 8-0 aggregate win.
Kobamelo Kodisang scored his first-ever goal in Sundowns colours three minutes before the half-time break before debutant Malibongwe Khoza added his name on the hour mark.
Thembinkosi Lorch then struck three minutes later before Sphelele Mkhulise completed the rout in the 67th minute.
Getting into the match leading 4-0 from the first leg, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi had the luxury of handing defender Malibongwe his debut.
Rushine de Reuck, Divine Lunga, Bathusi Aubaas, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mkhulise, Erwin Saavedra, Thembinkosi Lorch and Kodisang also started for the first time this season to highlight the depth at Mngqithi’s disposal.
Kodisang repaid the coach’s faith by tapping in a cross by Lunga, who also showed he deserved to be in the line-up.
Khoza then used his height to jump highest and head in Sundowns’ second goal and spice up his debut.
Soon after, Lorch tucked in a cross from Kodidang who turned to be the provider this time around.
Mkhulise then wrapped up another heavy victory with a goal in a seven-minute goal blitz which disoriented the visitors.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates forward Gilberto in action against Jwaneng Galaxy
Source: Orlando Pirates
