South African giants Orlando Pirates registered a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algerian side JS Saoura in their opening CAF Confederation Cup group stage match played in Johannesburg on Sunday evening, 13 February.
With the victory, Pirates moved to the top of group B, making a great start on home soil in front of an empty stadium, as Covid-19 restrictions still do not allow supporters in South Africa to attend matches.
The hosts hit the ground running when they found the back of the net within three minutes after the start, as veteran captain Happy Jele converted from close range after Saoura goalkeeper Zakaria Saidi was unable to hold onto the initial effort by midfielder Goodman Mosele.
Before the half time break, Saoura midfielder Hamidi tested Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane with a thunderous volley from outside the box, but the shot-stopper was alert to make a good save and keep his side in the lead.
The South Africans went into the break with a slender one goal lead and knew that they needed to bag another one to give themselves some breathing space. It took a little over 20 minutes in the second half for them to increase their lead, as right back Bandile Shandu found himself in the box to score his side’s second of the game. He connected from close range after Deon Hotto played a good ball into the box from the left wing.
Pirates kept it tight at the back and ensured that they finished the game with a clean sheet. The victory will give them confidence going forward in the group stage.
