Lesotho, Sept. 24 -- Orlando Pirates took another step closer to the CAF Champions League group stages after thrashing Lesotho champions Lioli FC 3-0 in the first preliminary round fixture at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.

Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa was the hero of the day, getting a second-half double before Oswin Appollis sealed the one-sided win with a late strike to leave the Soweto Giants in complete command heading into the second leg at Orlando Stadium next weekend.

Buccaneers opened the game dominating, with huge stretches of possession and pushing Lioli deep into their half. It was Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis who created the first opportunities, but they were unable to open the scores. Pirates kept...