Orlando Pirates overcame Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 in their second leg encounter at Orlando Stadium on Saturday to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage.
The Buccaneers managed to preserve their 2-0 lead from their first leg clash in Botswana with a workmanlike and disciplined performance against the hardworking Galaxy side.
Both sides failed to create clear chances initially with both teams sharing a fair amount of possession in the opening 20 minutes of the match.
Galaxy were the first team to put a shot on target in the fifth minute, however the shot was directed straight at Sipho Chaine.
The visitors were lucky not to concede after a Pirates press forced an error which saw Deano Van Rooyen intercept a stray pass from the goalkeeper, however the home side failed to capitalize from the opportunity.
Orlando Pirates began the second half more confidently, forcing the visitors into attempting optimistic shots from range which failed to trouble Bucs goal.
The pressure began to tell as Deon Hotto produced a save from Jwaneng Galaxyy goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko following good build up play from striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 68th-minute.
Kabelo Dlamini then dribbled through the Galaxy defense in the 73rd only to be denied by an outstretched goalkeeper following his shot from an awkward angle.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riviero then rung the changes as he sought to close out the victory, introducing Bafana Bafana duo Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng in the 68th-minute.
A discouraged looking Galaxy struggled to trouble the home side’s defense and goal in the final 20 minutes with Pirates looking content to maintain the first leg lead in order to ensure progression into the 2024/25 CAF Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
The home side launched a late surge into Galaxy’s goal with ball being cleared off the line in the final minute before Bafana Bafana’s recent hero having his goal bound injury time shot parried for a corner.
In the final minute of injury time Mofokeng cleverly maneuvered to set up Monnapule Saleng to chip home to hand Pirates a 1-0 lead on the night and a 3-0 aggregate score line.
Saleng had a final chance to score a brace after being put through on goal but the impressive Phoko managed to deny the winger another goal.
The victory avenged last years loss to Jwaneng Galaxy in the preliminary round of last season’s CAF Champion’s League campaign and confirmed Bucs progression.
🫡 See You in the Group Stages
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 21, 2024
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