Orlando Pirates' Tshepang Moremi celebrates his goal against Tshepang Moremi.

Image: Backpagepix

Orlando Pirates took a crucial step towards the CAF Champions League group stages after Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over African Stars on Saturday.

Moremi struck in the 75th minute to hand the Buccaneers a valuable away win in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie, putting Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side in a strong position ahead of the return fixture.

Pirates entered the encounter determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment, when they were eliminated at the same stage of the competition.

The Soweto giants made three changes to the team that defeated TS Galaxy in midweek, with midfielder Thalente Mbatha among those brought into the starting line-up.

Oswin Appollis, meanwhile, was named on the bench as he continued to struggle with an injury.

The changes came as Pirates looked to balance their domestic commitments with the demands of continental football, knowing that a positive result away from home could prove vital to their ambitions.

With the contest finely balanced, Pirates eventually found their breakthrough in the final quarter of the match.

Moremi’s 75th-minute goal separated the sides and gave the Buccaneers the advantage they had been seeking, while also putting pressure on African Stars ahead of the second leg.

For Pirates, the result represents an important opportunity to put last season’s early exit behind them and move closer to securing a place in the Champions League group stages.

However, Ouaddou’s men will know that the job is not yet complete. African Stars will still have an opportunity to fight their way back into the tie when the teams meet again.

Pirates will now turn their attention to next Friday’s return leg at Orlando Stadium, where they will look to finish the job in front of their home supporters.

With a one-goal advantage secured away from home, the Buccaneers have given themselves a platform to build on, but they will need another disciplined performance to ensure their continental campaign continues.