Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run in the Caf Champions League was extended on Saturday night with a massive 2-1 win over the defending champions Al Ahly.
In the first half, the match was evenly balanced with both teams creating their fair share of chances, but neither took them.
However, in the 53rd minute, the tide changed in favour of the Buccaneers.
A cross in by Thalente Mbatha was not dealt with effectively and Relebohile Mofokeng put the ball past Mostafa Shobeir to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Sipho Chaine was forced to make some brilliant saves before he was eventually beaten in the 68th minute by Hussein El Shahat after Karim El Debes’ pass had caught the defenders unawares.
Pirates’ hunger for a win paid dividends in the 83rd minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa headed in an inch-perfect cross from Kabelo Dlamini.
Bucs have now finished the group stage without tasting defeat. They won four matches and recorded two draws to end the phase with 14 points, four more than the defending champions.
Both teams have made it to the quarter-final phase as CR Belouizdad and Stade d’Abidjan crash out.
Coach Jose Riveiro gave another youngster, Siyabonga Ndlozi, his debut after Thabiso Lebitso’s injury in the 56th minute.
It is up to the 22-year-old to follow the footsteps of Relebohile Mofokeng, Thabiso Sesane and recently Mohau Nkota who capitalised on the opportunity given to command a starting place.
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine proved the difference between the two sides.
He was outstanding in goal and did his best to deny the hosts on three different occasions.
Thabitso Lebitso started his Pirates career well before an injury put him on the sidelines for a long time.
He was handed a start on Saturday, but he barely lasted an hour before being subbed owing to what looked like the same problem.
It is a massive concern for him ahead of a busy few months.
The progress to the Caf Champions League quarter-final is a massive confidence booster for Pirates and brings a new sense of belief to the players.
With that in mind, they should show the same seriousness when they play seemingly weaker teams in the Premier Soccer League.
Consistency will be the only way to beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the PSL title.
