Orlando Pirates hosted Djabal in the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Friday evening.
After the first leg ended 1-0 in favour of the Buccaneers, the visitors were looking to cause an upset by overturning the one goal deficit, a task which appeared daunting to say the least.
Orlando Pirates however, brought back memories of their big win over Djabal 10 years ago at home as they trounced the Comorans 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate, with red-hot striker Zakhele Lepasa inspiring Orlando Pirates to the big win.
☠️ FT || @orlandopirates 3 – 0 Djabal (AGG 4 – 0)
🥅 25', 63' Lepasa
🥅 58' Maswanganyi⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #TotalEnergiesCAFCL#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Hv9SOePska
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 25, 2023
Let's walk you through how the match went down!
Orlando Pirates 1-0 ahead at Half-time
Following last week's performance, Zakhele Lepasa returned back to the starting lineup and was supported either side of the flank by Katlego Otladisa and Kabelo Dlamini in the forward line.
Lepasa's good start to the season in front of the opposition goal continued; he opened the scoring in the 28th minute from a towering header after Djabal's defense failed to clear their lines.
The visitors had hopes of overturning the first leg deficit and tried to hold their own with some moments of the game coming their way after they conceded, but the home side frustrated their efforts.
The Buccaneers had good intentions on getting more goals in the half but Lepasa failed to connect well to a brilliant delivery from Patrick Maswanganyi that should have gotten the in-form striker a brace.
The game tilted towards half-time with the home side on top of things.
Zakhele Lepasa's brace and a Maswanganyi goal sealed a 3-0 win
The second half began with the Bucs moving the ball effortlessly into Djabal’s half of the field, but were unable to find a clear sight at goal.
Kabelo Dlamini and Katlego Otladisa threatened the visitors but their efforts went just wide of the target.
With Pirates looking dangerously and eager to get their second goal, Maswanganyi extended the Buccaneers’ lead with an excellent effort from long range to give his side a 2-0 lead in the 58th minute.
Riveiro's men after getting their second goal did not appear to let their foot off the gas as they continued to dictate play and get more goals.
The moment came as Lepasa completed his brace, calmly poking the ball past the hapless Annisse in goal for Djabal and into the net to make it 3-0 in the 63rd minute.
Around the 72nd minute coach Jose Riveiro rang changes: Deon Hotto, Souaibou Marou and Thabang Monare were brought on for Paseka Mako, Zakhele Lepasa and Patrick Maswanganyi, the heroes of the tie.
The home side saw out the rest of the game as the match ended 3-0 with Orlando Pirates picking up a comfortable win and a place in the next round.
What next for Orlando Pirates?
With qualification into the second round of the CAF Champions League sealed, Orlando Pirates will shift focus to league action.
Jose Riveiro's side will welcome Cape Town City to the Orlando Stadium next Tuesday as the Buccaneers seek to record their second win of the Premier Soccer League season.
Expectations will be high for the team to deliver once again, especially after putting Djabal to the sword at their favourite ground.
In addition, Lepasa's efficiency in front of goal is a big boost for the team and a lot of excitement for the fans who can only look forward to witnessing another thrilling outing for their club against Cape Town City.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
