Orlando Pirates hammer Lioli to advance in CAF Champions League

The Buccaneers entered the second leg with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Lesotho and wrapped up the tie 7-0 on aggregate. Two goals each from Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma sealed the victory, as Pirates once again proved too strong for their opponents, a performance that certainly must have impressed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Much like the first encounter, the Soweto giants controlled possession and created the clearer chances, while the team from Lesotho struggled to pose any real threat. The visitors nearly capitalised in the 19th minute after a mix-up between defender Lebone Seema and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, but Pirates recovered quickly to avert the danger.

The home side gradually grew into the game, with Sipho Mbule testing Lioli goalkeeper William Huni from a free kick in the 30th minute. Shortly after, Oswin Appollis wasted a golden chance, firing wide after being set up by Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Pirates' persistence finally paid off just before the interval when Moremi curled home a superb free kick from the edge of the box to open the scoring.

The winger struck again moments into the second half, cutting inside from the left and unleashing a powerful shot that beat Huni to double the advantage.

Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who pretty much had nothing to do was later substituted due to injury, with Melusi Buthelezi taking his place.

By then, Pirates had already taken full control of the match, and Lioli's resistance faded. Substitute Mbuthuma added a third in the 78th minute from close range before grabbing his brace two minutes later to complete the rout.

The emphatic victory sees Pirates safely through to the next stage of the competition, underlining their ambitions of a strong continental campaign.

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