Overview
- Lioli’s designated home leg was staged at Toyota/Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein due to the absence of CAF-approved venues in Lesotho.
- Tshegofatso Mabasa scored twice before Oswin Appollis added a late third to secure a comfortable away victory.
- Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasized respect for the Lesotho champions and said the squad had studied their opponents.
- Pirates arrived on the back of an MTN8 triumph with planned rotation and injury concerns, including Tapelo Xoki sidelined and Olisa Ndah building fitness.
- Another clean sheet extended Pirates’ recent defensive run, reinforcing momentum heading into the Soweto return leg.