CAF

Like a skilled tailor, Orlando Pirates wove a competent display and threaded three clinical goals past Royal Leopards of Eswatini at Orlando Stadium on ...

After substitute Dzvukamanja missed a sitter, somehow lifting Hotto’s cross over with just Dlamini to beat, Bucs’ second followed eight minutes after the first. Leopards remain rooted to bottom without a point. The result left them top of the group on nine points, at least until the later game between JS Saoura and Libya's Al Ittihad in Algiers.

Orlando Pirates have one foot in the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs after making light work of Eswatini's Royal Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Pirates started the match in second position in group B, a point behind leaders Al-ittihad of Libya, victory here would take them to the top of the group, at least until Al-ittihad finished their match later on in the day. The Zimbabwean international shook off his marker in a corner and was able to get on the end of a Dlamini corner in the near post and guided his attempt past the goalkeeper, effectively ending the match as a contest at 3-0. The former Maritzburg United man spotted the goalkeeper off his line and his attempt from the touchline found the back of the net and gave Pirates a much needed lead in the 48th minute.

After a goalless first half, Fortune Makaringe opened the scoring two minutes after the break ahead of a 56th minute Kabelo Dlamini goal. Terrence Dzukamanja ...

Thabang Monare was set through on goal by Ndah but skewed his shot to the left, while Dzvukamanja was unable to beat Ncamiso Dlamini with a 69th minute header following a super ball into the box from Kabelo Dlamini. Dzvukamanja had been brought on at half-time to replace Peprah, and was close to a second for Pirates on 54 minutes with a shot that was inches from finding its intended target, after he was played in by Hotto. Olisa Ndah had a couple of chances to nod his side in the lead but when the opening goal did finally arrive, it was through a superb hit from Makaringe from a very wide position that deceived Dlamini and ended up in the back of the net.

Orlando Pirates have revealed their starting XI to face Royal Leopards in a Caf Confederation Cup duel at Orlando Stadium.

Dlamini has seemingly earned the trust of his coaches as he is deployed in what is his fifth straight start. He was a starter in the first leg encounter, which they won 6-2, and he keeps his slot in midfield for the return leg. The right-back has proved to be a vital asset for Bucs, especially as he has four goals in the continental competition and the start offers him a chance to increase his tally.

Follow all of the live action from this afternoon's CAF Confederation Cup clash between Orlando Pirates and Royal Leopards below!

“The fact that we’re not getting the desired results, doesn’t mean they’re players that are favoured. The Buccaneers have suffered two major losses in their previous two matches. Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu on the 23 December 2021 at Orlando Stadium. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates play their fourth Caf Confederation Cup Group B match when they welcome Royal Leopards.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Goodman Mosele Jele grabbed a goal when Pirates beat Leopards 6-0. CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Thabang Monare