By: Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Orlando Pirates demolished Zamalek by 4-1 to claim the top spot in the CAF Champions’ League Group A clash on Saturday evening at the Orlando Stadium.

Goals from Lennox Bacela, Tlou Segolela, Sifiso Myeni and Daine Klate saw the Buccaneers to a second successive victory over Egyptian side, having beaten Al Ahly 3-0 just two weeks ago.

Pirates coach Roger De Sa, was happy with the victory but still believe they still have to work hard to qualify for the semis.

“We haven’t won anything yet, here we won two matches, we still might not qualify for next round,” said De Sa on the Supersport website on Saturday.

“Forget the past and worry about the future,” he added.

The 1995 African champions had most of the time on the ball in the visitors’ territory and managed to create chances.

Andile Jali was replaced by Lehlohonolo Masalesa in the early stages of the game due to injury.

It came as no surprise in the 27^th minute when Bacela allowed Klate’s pass to run across his body, beating the defender and then fired a powerful shot into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.

Tlou Segolela under pressure from Zamalek defender. Picture by Kickoff.com

The Egyptians were fast to respond on the lead though. Dangerous Mohamoud Fadlalla was at the right place at the right time to beat Senzo Meyiwa on his left hand side after poor defending from Bucs’ back four.

Zamalek shot stopper was the busiest player on the field denying Pirates the second goal until the end of the first half half.

In the 52^nd minute, Tlou Segolela got a clear-cut chance and he made no mistake as he latched onto a great through ball from Bacela before providing an excellent finish with his right foot.

Klate provided a cross from the left in the 72^nd minute and Sifiso Myeni first touched the ball beyond a defender before placing the ball into the back of the net to increase the score to 3-1.

In the 82^nd minute Segolela produced a square ball from the right flank to Klate who was in the middle of the ball surrounded by defenders but Klate managed to place the ball at the back of the net.

Pirates have three fixtures ahead of the semi-final stages. Out of the three, two of them are away as they have to travel to Egypt and play Zamalek, welcome home Al Ahly and depart to Congo Brazzaville to face AC leopard.