Orlando Pirates joined the 2010 World Cup bid celebrations by beating Malawian champions Bakili Bullets 2-1 in an African Champions League second-round, first-leg fixture at Eastern Province Rugby Football Union Stadium on Saturday.
The Bucs led 2-0 at half-time.
In front of a capacity 30 000-strong crowd, the Buccaneers flag was raised high as last season’s PSL champions made it clear from the start they wanted to win.
They took the lead through a penalty converted by Edelbert Dinha in the 10th minute, after hard-working midfielder Bheka Phakathi was fouled from behind by Petros Mwaluweni. Dinha converted cleanly, beating a diving Bullets goalkeeper Swadiki Saundi, which encouraged the Bucs fans to render a rapturous Shosholoza.
Ten minutes later, Benedict Vilakazi increased the tally to two through a header, converting a Steve Lekolea corner kick. The Bullets defence was left stunned, as Vilakazi headed home freely after Saundi mishandled the ball.
The Bullets came back in the second half and scored in the 73rd minute through substitute Ganizani Malunga, who replaced Emmanuel Ghapatala.
At that stage, Pirates coach Augusto Palacios substituted Lekolea — the crowd’s favourite — for Patrick Twala.
Pirates tried to push numbers forward, but the Bullets matched them in defence and were very efficient in thwarting Bucs quick-striker Lobogang Mokoena.
Pirates defender Jimmy Tau was instrumental in starting attacks on the right, but often there was no one up-front to challenge the aerial balls, as Mokoena was clearly bottled up.
Pirates will now have an easy tour to Malawi for the second-leg fixture in two weeks’ time. — Sapa