sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates faced disappointment after a scoreless draw against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League match held at the bustling Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
With ticket sales soaring on Friday, fans were optimistic for an entertaining match, but the game failed to produce any goals to meet their expectations.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made only three adjustments to the squad that played against CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch following the FIFA international break.
Deano Van Rooyen, Paseka Mako, and Monnapule Saleng replaced Thabiso Monyane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and the talented Mohau Nkota, who had scored two goals against CR Belouizdad in Algeria. The opening 15 minutes were evenly contested, with both teams having opportunities, yet neither could break the deadlock.
The Buccaneers had their first chance in the 35th minute; however, Saleng’s shot was deflected off an Al Ahly defender and saved by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick for Pirates. They carried their momentum into the 42nd minute when Saleng unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that ultimately went wide.
The first half ended in a stalemate at 0-0, with neither side managing to score. In the second half, the Buccaneers had another chance in the 55th minute, but Thalente Mbatha’s shot from outside the box missed its mark. Moments later, the Red Devils nearly scored, but Sipho Chaine made a remarkable save to keep them at bay.
In the 62nd minute, Al Ahly made their first substitution, introducing Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau and Mohamed Moursy in place of Wessam Ali and Emam Abdelghany. The Buccaneers made a defensive blunder in the 67th minute, which nearly allowed the away side to find the net.
After that slip-up, Riveiro chose to substitute Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa for Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Red Devils had a prime opportunity in the 84th minute from inside the box, yet Chaine made another fantastic save to preserve the draw.
