By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are on the brink of advancing to the CAF Champions League group stage after securing wins in the first leg of their second preliminary round matches.
Pirates earned a 2-0 away victory against Jwaneng Galaxy last weekend and now prepare to host the Botswana champions at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
After Galaxy knocked them out at this stage last season, Pirates are determined to finish the job, holding the advantage of two away goals.
Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli remains hopeful of pulling off an upset.
“We still have another 90 minutes to play,” Ramoreboli said, according to the Mmegi news service in Botswana.
Ramoreboli said Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro said this was just the first half, and he agreed.
“We still have the second half, and anything can happen. Leading 2-0 is not a guaranteed win. We have the ability to come back, and we will try our best,” Ramoreboli said.
Pirates’ forward Tshegofatso Mabasa has hit good form, scoring in the first leg and adding another goal in their midweek PSL win over Chippa United.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns will host Eswatini champions Mbabane Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored twice in the first leg, with Iqraam Rayners and Mosa Lebusa each adding a goal, giving Sundowns a comfortable 4-0 lead.
However, Sundowns player Thapelo Morena remains cautious about their big lead.
“We need to stay focused and not take the game for granted,” Morena told the media on Thursday.
“It will still be tough as they have fast players. We need to stay alert and play our game.”
It will be interesting to see if Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi brings back Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, who were left out of the last two matches.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Kabelo Dlamini in action.
Source: Orlando Pirates
