Tshegofatso Mabasa's Orlando Pirates brace buries Lioli in Champions league clash

The Buccaneers, fresh from their MTN8 triumph over Stellenbosch FC, asserted dominance through Tshegofatso Mabasa's clinical brace, with Oswin Appollis sealing the rout in stoppage time.

Lioli hosted the tie in South Africa due to Lesotho's lack of a CAF-approved venue. Under South African coach Bongani Maseko, the visitors arrived with grit but were outclassed by Pirates' superior firepower and tactics.

In the 20th minute, Thabiso Lebitso's rasping drive forced a smart save from Lioli goalkeeper William Huni. Two minutes later, Bafana Bafana star Appollis fluffed a sitter inside the box, slicing wide from a prime position.

As the half wore on, Thalente Mbatha's curling effort kissed the side netting just before the break, leaving the scoreline goalless despite Pirates' 60% possession and relentless pressure.

The second half erupted into life for Pirates. In the 53rd minute, Deon Hotto's inswinging corner found Mabasa unmarked at the back post, poor marking from the Lesotho side gifting the gangly striker a towering header into the net.

Four minutes later, the floodgates creaked open: Relebohile Mofokeng's through-ball sliced the lines, allowing Mabasa to latch on and rifle a low shot past Huni for his brace. The 28-year-old nearly claimed a hat-trick in the 62nd minute, nodding just wide from another Hotto delivery.

From there, Pirates shifted gears into cruise control, suffocating Lioli, who barely mustered a shot on target, and methodically killing the clock. Substitute Tshepang Moremi's clever interplay with Appollis culminated in the winger's cool finish in the 90th minute, turning a healthy lead into a mountain for the return leg.

This emphatic win catapults Pirates, semifinalists last season and 1995 champions, into pole position for a first-round berth. Lioli, who clinched the Lesotho Premier League title in May to earn their spot, face an uphill battle when the sides reconvene at Orlando Stadium on September 27.

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