Orlando Pirates hit SIX past Royal Leopards in CAF Confederation Cup romp

Orlando Pirates have thrashed an outclassed Royal Leopards side 6-2 in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, 27 February.

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Incredibly, their Eswatini opponents took a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes thanks to goals from Mzwandile Mabelesa (fifth minute) and Thabiso Mokenkoane (seventh minute).

Royal Leopards also ‘scored’ the third goal of the match – but in the wrong net – when Machawe Dlamini’s 20th minute own goal helped the Buccaneers cut the deficit.

Bandile Shandu made it 2-2 in the 37th minute and Kwame Peprah gave Orlando Pirates a 3-2 half-time lead thanks to a first half injury time goal.

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In the second half it was one-way traffic as the Soweto giants doubled their tally with goals from Happy Jele (57th minute), Kabelo Dlamini (60th minute) and Terrence Dzvukamanja (80th minute).

The match, which was a Royal Leopards ‘home’ game, was moved to the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit after Royal Leopards’ stadium was deemed unsuitable to host matches by CAF.

Orlando Pirates now lead the Group B standings

The win saw Orlando Pirates move to the top of the Group B standings with six points after three matches.

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Orlando Pirates will next be in action in the DStv Premiership when they host Cape Town City FC on Wednesday, 2 March at 17:30.

They will also no doubt have one eye on the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 5 March at 15:30.