Orlando Pirates cruised to a 3-1 win over Light Stars in their Caf Champions League preliminary qualifier to seal a 8-2 aggregated victory and secure their progression in the competition.

Pirates came into the fixture in the Seychelles with a comfortable aggregate lead after the 5-1 win at the Orlando Stadium last Wednesday, and were fully expected to cruise past their opponents.

Light Stars, on the other hand, would have been desperate to put in an admirable performance on their home patch against their more favoured opponents.

As many expected, Milutin Sredojevic made a number of changes to his starting lineup, presumably with one eye on Saturday’s Telkom Knockout final against Baroka.

Thamsanqa Gabuza was one of the players who made his return to the starting 11 in what was his first appearance since his infamous sending off against Black Leopards in August.

Despite the changes, the Sea Robbers got off to the perfect start as Linda Mntambo combined beautifully with Kudakwashe Mahachi before providing a neat finish with just 11 minutes played.

The game may have got off to a fast start, but clear-cut chances were proving hard to come by for both teams, with a congested midfield battle typifying the game.

Neither side could find a way to goal after Mntambo’s opener as Pirates went in 1-0 up at the half-time break.

It did not take Pirates long to double their lead in the second half with 60 minutes gone, Gabuza marking his comeback with a goal.

Nine minutes later and it was 3-0, Abel Mabaso getting his name on the scoresheet after the keeper fumbled Gabuza’s initial shot.

The home side pulled a goal back with five minutes left to play with a powerful header following a corner kick.

Pirates 3-1 winners on the day and 8-2 winners on aggregate as they cruised past the team from the Seychelles to advance in the Caf Champions League.

Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix