Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates: Highlights and Goals (0-3) in CAF Champions League
Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates ended with a 0-3 victory for the visitors in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round, thanks to a brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa, setting up a comfortable return leg for the Buccaneers next week in South Africa.
The match, played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 20 September 2025, saw Orlando Pirates dominate after a goalless first half, scoring three goals in quick succession in the second period to secure a commanding lead. Lioli, the Lesotho champions, put up a resilient defensive display but couldn’t withstand the pressure, marking a strong continental debut for Pirates under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The result gives Pirates a significant advantage heading into the second leg at FNB Stadium, where they aim to advance to the second preliminary round.
Pirates Dominate Second Half with Mabasa Brace
The game started cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear chances in the first half. Orlando Pirates had the initiative but found Lioli confident in their marking, limiting opportunities. The referee added just one minute of stoppage time, and the half ended 0-0, leaving fans wanting more action.
The second half exploded into life as Pirates scored three goals in under 10 minutes. Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a clinical finish after persistent pressure. He doubled his tally in the 58th minute, completing a brace that put Pirates firmly in control. The third goal came shortly after, sealing a 3-0 lead and deciding the match in just three minutes, as the report highlighted.
Lioli tried to respond but couldn’t recover from the quick blows. Orlando Pirates continued to attack, with Moremi coming close in the 87th minute, but William Huni’s save prevented a fourth. The home side’s goalkeeper was the standout performer, making several key stops to avoid a heavier defeat.
Substitutions and Tactical Shifts
Orlando Pirates made strategic changes, with Nemtajela and Ndaba replacing Nduli and Hotto in the 73rd minute. Lioli’s coach rotated to chase the game but couldn’t find a breakthrough. The Buccaneers’ bench strength and tactical adjustments overwhelmed the hosts, who lacked depth in attack.
Ouaddou, reflecting post-match, cautioned against over-optimism despite the win: “It doesn’t mean I am a better coach than two months ago… The ambition is still the same.” Lioli coach Bongani Maseko acknowledged Pirates’ superiority: “Pirates are the favourites because of their history… We are looking at this as a challenge to test ourselves.”
League and Competition Implications
This win boosts Orlando Pirates’ confidence as they return to the CAF Champions League after reaching the semi-finals last term, where they lost to Pyramids FC. The Buccaneers qualified after finishing second in the Betway Premiership last season and are unbeaten in their last five across all competitions, including a recent MTN8 triumph. The second leg at FNB Stadium next week is crucial, with Pirates favourites to advance.
Lioli, playing their “home” leg in South Africa due to a lack of suitable venues in Lesotho, showed resilience but face an uphill battle. The Basotho champions, based in Teyateyaneng, qualified by winning the last two Lesotho Premier League titles and will rely on midfielder Mokoteli Mohapi for inspiration in the return.
Match stats reflect Pirates’ dominance: 65% possession, 18 shots (8 on target), and 7 corners, compared to Lioli’s 35% possession, 5 shots (2 on target), and 3 corners. Mabasa was named Man of the Match for his brace.
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