Green Eagles of Zambia beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in the CAF Champions League journey first leg of their preliminary round played in Lusaka.

Green Eagles who were playing on the back of a campaign in last season’s ‘CAF Confederation Cup, took on a much fancied Pirates side who were without Thembinkosi Lorch. Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga started upfront for Pirates

The visiting team enjoyed a lot of the possession in the early stages, but were unable to trouble the Eagles defense.

Hosea Silwimba tested Pirates Keeper Wayne Sandilands in the 23rd minute.

Eagles missed a chance to go 1-0 up just before half time, Silwimba’s cross found an un-marked Samson Chilupe in the box, who failed to make the most of the opportunity.

Eagles came out firing in the second half and broke the deadlock a minute in, with Spencer Sautu finding the back of the net after being set up by Chilupe.

With the Buccaneers looking for a response, coach Milutin Sredojevic threw on Gabadinho Mhango for Memela just after the hour mark and the Malawian nearly made an immediate impact as his free-kick sailed jut wide of the target.

Justin Shonga made way in the final 10 minutes, with Kabelo Dlamini getting his first taste of continental football following his move from Bloemfontein Celitc.

However, the Absa Premiership outfit were unable to claw their way back in to the clash as Eagles held on for the slender win to take to the second leg, which is scheduled for 23 August at Orlando Stadium.

Zesco United began their ‘CAF Champions League campaign with a routine 0-2 win in eSwatini against Green Mamba.

Umaru Kasumba the Ugandan opened his goal scoring account for Team Yaziko in his debut while John Chingandu got the other.

Kenyan International, Jesse Were started the match while David Odhiambo was on the bench.

ZESCO United now carry a healthy two goal lead ahead of the second leg in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer