Orlando Pirates conceded two early goals but came back strongly to beat eSwatini’s Royal Leopard 6-2 in their CAF Confederation Cup group stages match at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday evening.
Pirates moved onto six points and back to the summit of Group B and are now two points ahead of Al-Ittihad and Saoura.
There was drama prior to the game, as a political protest outside the stadium from eSwatini citizens tried to stop the Leopard bus from entering. However, with police presence, the eSwatini side arrived at the venue and the game went ahead.
Royal Leopard 2-6 Orlando Pirates
It was Leopard who struck early, as they took the lead in the fifth minute, as Mzwandile Mabelesa’s shot deflected off Happy Jele, leaving Siyabonga Mpontshane no chance.
And it was 2-0 in the seventh minute, Leopard’s South African striker Thabiso Mokenkoane heading in past Mpontshane.
It was a disastrous start for the stunned Buccaneers, who only seemed to find their feet fifteen minutes into the game.
Pirates finally had some fortune of their own and they pulled one back in the 20th minute, Kabelo Dlamini’s cross striking Machawe Dlamini, and it was deflected into the goal past Phephisani Msibi.
Pirates were level in the 38th minute, Bandile Shandu once again on the scoresheet, with an assist from Deon Hotto – Shandu’s fourth goal in the CAFCC group stages.
And just before half-time, an unmarked Kwame Peprah headed Pirates into the lead, the score 3-2 at the break.
It was a more composed start to the second half from Pirates, who were now firmly in control, and Happy Jele got Pirates’ fourth in the 56th minute, heading in from a Hotto free-kick.
Dlamini made it 5-2 in the 60th minute, blasting in from close range.
With the match won, Pirates managed the remainder of the game, as they rung the changes for the last third of the ninety.
One of those substitutes, Terrence Dzvukamanja, added the sixth in the 80th minute, running onto a great through ball by Peprah, the Zimbabwean raced clear, before scoring.
It may have not started well, but Pirates will be delighted with how it ended.
