Lepasa's rich scoring form secures Pirates victory in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates gained the upper hand in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round one clash against Djabal Club d'Iconi 1-0 on Saturday at the Stade de Moroni in Comoros, courtesy of a late strike by Zakhele Lepasa.

Bucs' coach, Jose Riveiro, made several alterations following midweek draw against Chippa United, introducing goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Innocent Maela, Sandile Mthethwa, and Bienvenu Eva Nga for their inaugural starts this season.

?? FT || Djabal 0 - 1 @orlandopirates?? 87' Lepasa????????#Matchday #TotalEnergiesCAFCL#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/BekwS3oMat

Pirates dominated possession during the initial phases of the encounter, yet they could only muster a solitary genuine attempt on goal within the first 20 minutes, a shot by Monnapule Saleng.

Opportunities persisted for the Soweto titans throughout the first half, with Eva Nga squandering a chance ten minutes before the half-time whistle, whilst Deon Hotto failed to capitalize on his opportunity, shooting wide.

This marked the final noteworthy offensive play for the visitors, who must have felt frustrated by the half-time interval's arrival without finding the net.

As Pirates struggled to breach the opponent's defense post the interval, Riveiro executed his initial substitution in the 63rd minute, replacing Hotto with Katlego Otladisa in the attack, and Lepasa stepping in for Eva Nga.

1st leg of the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL first preliminary round! Check out the fixtures now ?? pic.twitter.com/UvbVuvS28Y

Lepasa, already boasting five goals this season, sought to swiftly make an impact, yet his close-range attempt inside the box was thwarted by a block.

As the match appeared destined for a draw, the Bucs at last shattered the opposition's