Orlando Pirates 2-1 URA FC
South Africa’s giants Orlando Pirates defeated visitors Uganda Revenue Authority 2-1 to take lead in the first leg of the first round of the CAF Confederations Cup.
The hosts started on a bright note and caught URA off guard with a third minute strike thanks to Rooi Mahamutsa. The centre back received the ball from Manyisa and sent a scorcher of a rocket from outside the 18 yard area leaving Brian Bwete with no chance.
URA settled after that early goal and should have gotten level but Frank Kalanda headed wide from Allan Munaba’s cross in the 15th minute.
Feni Ali had an opportunity in the 25th minute but shot direct at goalie Mhlongo from the edge of the area after good exchange of passes between him, Yasser Mugerwa and Frank Kalanda.
The first half ended with the hosts leading 1-0 but the first chance of the second half fell to URA but Sam Ssekitto’s shot was well saved.
Coach Alex Isabirye withdrew Kalanda for Peter Lwasa and later Elkanah Nkugwa for Yasser Mugerwa but it was the Buccaneers that extended the lead with substitute Lehnoloholo Majoro scoring from the edge of the area with Manyisa again the provider.
The tie seemed to be dead finished but URA got a late consolation with Happy Jele heading into his own net following a teasing cross from Nkugwa which was the last piece of action from Orlando stadium.
URA FC will now host the return match in a fortnight needing just a 1-0 win to progress to the next stage.
URA FC XI:
Brian Bwete (GK), Simeon Masaba, Sam Senkoomi, Deogratius Othieno, Sam Sekitto, Oscar Agaba, Yasser Mugerwa (Elkanah Nkugwa) , Feni Ali, Said Kyeyune, Allan Munaaba and Frank Kalanda (Peter Lwasa)