Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns off to winning starts in Caf Champions League

Tshegofatso Mabasa (pictured left) scored the opener for Pirates on the cusp of half-time, before Deon Hotto sealed their Caf Champions League contest in the 78th minute. Seen here: Orlando Pirates players Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng celebrate. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspaper.

Tshegofatso Mabasa (pictured left) scored the opener for Pirates on the cusp of half-time, before Deon Hotto sealed their Caf Champions League contest in the 78th minute. Seen here: Orlando Pirates players Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng celebrate. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspaper.

Published Sep 15, 2024

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Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns both got off to winning starts in their Caf Champions League campaigns on Saturday.

Pirates, who lost to the same opposition at the same point in the competition last season, ran out 2-0 winners over Jwaneng Galaxy at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the opener for Pirates on the cusp of half-time, before Deon Hotto sealed the contest in the 78th minute.

Last season, Pirates rested a number of their first choice players the previous time the sides met. It was a move that did not sit well for supporters following their defeat. This time around, however, the Soweto Giants fielded a full strength side and were far and away the superior team on the night.

Big money on offer

The return leg is set for Orlando Stadium on September 21, with Pirates expected to advance into the group stage where minimum prize money of R14.2 million is on offer.

Before the second leg though, Pirates will turn their attention to Chippa United who they will take on in a league clash on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns were even more impressive victors with a 4-0 thrashing of eSwatini outfit Mbabane Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. Lucas Ribeiro bagged a brace, while Musa Lebusa and Iqraam Rayners added the other goals for the reigning Betway Premiership champions for the last seven seasons in a row.

The second leg between the sides will also take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium, as there is not an international standard stadium in eSwatini.

It seems then, that more of the same can be expected from Sundowns next week. They do, however, have a tricky league encounter against SuperSport United in the interim on Tuesday.

@Golfhackno1