Tshegofatso Mabasa’s late header earned Orlando Pirates of South Africa a 2-1 win over Nigerian side Enyimba FC on Wednesday to go top of Group A in the Total CAF Confederation Cup (TotalCAFCC).
Namibian midfielder Deon Hotto gave Pirates the lead in the 27th minute after Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble failed to properly clear a left wing cross. Hotto quite exquisitely back-heeled home after Onassis Mmtambo fed him.
Although Pirates had the lion share of possession, Enyimba created chances on the break with Anayo Iwuala and Samson Obi going close. The former however won a penalty for his side just before half time after he was upended inside the box but goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo took the responsibility and sent Mpontshane the wrong direction for his second goal in as many group stage games in this season’s competition.
Pirates turned on the heat in the second half and Enyimba almost caved in the 77th minute when their hosts were awarded a spot kick after a foul by Nelson Ogbonnaya.
Substitute Mabasa stepped up to take the penalty kick but lost his footing and skied it way over the bar. Mabasa however made amends with just one minute of regulation time remaining when he headed home a corner from close range.
Victory means Pirates top the group with four points from two matches while Enyimba remain in second position with three points.
Libyan side Al Ahli Benghazi who defeated ES Setif 1-0 in the late game decided in Egypt are third with same number of points as Enyimba.
The next round of matches in the Confederation Cup comes up on April 4, 2021 with Enyimba facing Algerian side ES Serif.
