Orlando Pirates opened their CAF Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win over Lesotho side Lioli FC in the preliminary round first leg in Bloemfontein.
The Buccaneer’s Tshegofatso Mabasa scored twice in the second half before in form Oswin Appollis added a third.
The first half ended 0-0, with Lioli goalkeeper William Huni making several saves, including one from Sipho Mbule in the 30th minute.
The Soweto giants took the lead in the 62nd minute when Mabasa headed in from an Appollis corner. Four minutes later, Mabasa scored again after receiving a pass from Relebohile Mofokeng.
Appollis scored the third in the 82nd minute after being set up by Tshepang Moremi.
Pirates have now kept over 400 minutes without conceding in all competitions. They take a 3-0 lead into the return leg at Orlando Stadium next weekend.
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β½οΈ βΌββΆβ: Tshegofatso Mabasa gets an opener for Bucs!
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π https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/Rmj6RxdoTP— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 20, 2025
Photo: Charl Lombard/Gallo Images
