Orlando Pirates moved one step closer to the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages with a 3-0 win over Al-Ahli Benghazi in Group A on Sunday evening. Pirates recalled goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands and Tshegofatso Mabasa as well as Deon Hotto to partner Gabadinho Mhango in the final third. It was the Buccaneers who attempted a fast start early on with a smart effort from a difficult angle near the area by Hotto following a pass from Fortune Makaringe, but the Namibian went wide. Hotto came close to the opener again minutes before the half-hour mark through a rasping attempt outside the area, but he still couldn't get the better of their opposite number. Benghazi were finally sliced open inside 26 minutes as Ntsikelelo Nyauza picked up a loose ball from a corner-kick to apply a close-range finish following confusion from the visitors. Following a dominant spell, the Buccaneers doubled their advantage four minutes before the break after a glancing header from Mabasa forced Aboubakr Meeld to slot into his own net. See the top-ranked sides in Africa in the gallery below. The visitors started the second half with a renewed approach and nearly reduced the deficit from a free-kick, but Sandilands watched the effort go over the top. Benghazi succumbed to a third goal from the Sea Robbers close to the last 20 minutes when Kabelo Dlamini collected a rebound from Mabasa's initial strike to riffle the back of the net. At the same time, a double substitution from the Buccaneers had Abel Mabaso and Vincent Pule enter in favour of Damini and Hotto respectively. More goals looked in the offing for the Buccaneers through a smart header from Thulani Hlatshwayo, but his effort went over as it finished 3-0 at Orlando Stadium. Confirmed line-ups: Pirates: Sandilands, Jele, Nyauza, Ndlovu, Mako, Motshwari, Makaringe, Dlamini, Hotto, Mhango, Mabasa. Subs: Mpontshane, Tshobeni, Jooste, Hlatshwayo, Mabaso, Makgaka, Pule
