Pirates demolish African Stars as rivals crash out!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInSportsPirates demolish African Stars as rivals crash out!By: Sibongumenzi Sibiya • 1m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandJOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 23: Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates celebrate a goal during the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, 2nd preliminary round – 2nd leg match between Orlando Pirates and African Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena on October 23, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images) (Daniel Hlongwane) Mokobodi and Makgopa shine as Soweto giants dominate at homeORLANDO Pirates showcased their deadly squad depth on Friday night, 23 October, as both established stars and rising talents helped the team hammer African Stars 4-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena.

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The Soweto giants stormed into the CAF Champions League group stages with a 5-0 aggregate victory.

It was a massive statement performance built on defensive discipline—denying the visitors a single shot on target—and attacking brilliance.

Thapelo Mokobodi set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 17th minute after finishing off a pin-point low cross from Simphiwe Masilela.

Mokobodi almost bagged a second in the 27th minute as the Buccaneers kept African Stars under immense pressure.

Evidence Makgopa, who missed an initial chance late in the first half, made up for it by scoring in stoppage time to give Pirates a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break.

The second half saw Pirates refuse to take their foot off the pedal. With the Sea Robbers pushing forward continuously, second-half substitute Mpho Padime experienced a dream moment, scoring his first senior goal shortly after coming on.

Makgopa then completed his brace in the 77th minute, firmly putting the result beyond doubt as African Stars battled in vain.

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The joyous scenes in Soweto were not replicated across other South African camps.

In the rest of the CAF results, Mamelodi Sundowns crashed out of the Champions League following a 1-1 draw with Wiliete SC.

Furthermore, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs suffered a painful elimination, losing 3-2 on penalties to Zambian side Red Arrows after their tie ended 1-1 on aggregate.

Chief of Sports Content Creator at Daily Sun, specialising in sports reporting, digital storytelling and multimedia journalism. He leads the production of sports content across digital and print platforms, covering major local and international sporting events, breaking news, exclusive interviews and feature stories.

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