Orlando Pirates ease to victory in CAF Confederation Cup opener

Orlando Pirates claimed all three points from their first CAF Confederation Cup Group B match with a 2-0 win over JS Saoura.

Happy Jele scored the game's opening goal with a simple tap-in after just four minutes at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Bandile Shandu then put the result beyond doubt with his well-taken goal on 66 minutes.

The result sees Pirates move top of the standings, ahead of Al-Ittihad's clash with Royal Leopards.

Saoura had started the match on the front foot with Abdeldjalil Saad the first with a shot on goal after connecting to a good cross from Mohamed El Amine Hammia, only to fire straight at Siyabonga Mpontshane in the Bucs goal.

But the hosts were soon ahead as Jele tapped in from close range after Saoura stopper Zakaria Saidi spilled Goodman Mosele's first time shot from Thembinkosi Lorch's floated free kick to the back post.

Saoura looked to respond, and Belaid Hamidi put everything into his volley, following a set-piece just minutes later, but drew a fine diving save from Mpontshane.

Hamidi continued to look threatening for the away team, while Kwame Peprah was off target with his half-chance on the half-hour mark.

Pirates were mainly in control as the first half drew to a close, but Hamidi came close again with a curled free-kick from a tight angle that landed on top of the net.

Merwane Khelif tried to power a late shot in on goal only to be crowded out, while Mohamed El Amine Hammia could not test Mpontshane with his tame shot at the start of the second half.

Jele then picked up a clever ball from Deon Hotto as Bucs settled into an excellent passing rhythm, only to fire well over the target on 55 minutes.

Abel Mabaso replaced Ntsako Makhubela as Bucs looked to step up a gear, as Ben Motshwari came on for