The Soweto giants was hosted at the Estádio dos Coqueiros on Tuesday afternoon in a tightly contested match with the host having 42% of ball possession while the visitors held on to 58% of ball possessions.
Thembinkosi Lorch netting the only goal of the game in the 74th minute made Orlando Pirates walked away as winners in the clash.
They will return to action on January 2 against reigning DStv Premiership champions and current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, before hosting the return leg of their first-round Confederation Cup tie against Esperanca a few days later.
Here’s how they started:
Pirates: Sandilands, Jooste, Nyauza, Sam, Mako, Ndlovu, Makaringe, Mntambo, Lorch, Mhango, Dzvukamanja.
Subs: Mpontshane, Sesane, Monyane, Motshwari, Hotto, Muwowo, Mundele.
