
Orlando Pirates faced disappointment after ending in a goalless draw against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League match held at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
With ticket sales soaring on Friday, fans were eager for an exciting showdown, but the match ultimately fell short of delivering the goals they had hoped for.
Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro made only three adjustments to the starting lineup that played against CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch following the FIFA international break.
Deano Van Rooyen, Paseka Mako, and Monnapule Saleng came in for Thabiso Monyane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and the talented Mohau Nkota, who previously scored twice against CR Belouizdad in Algeria. The opening quarter of the game was evenly matched, with both sides having their chances, yet neither could find the back of the net.
The Buccaneers had their first opportunity in the 35th minute, but Saleng’s shot was blocked by an Al Ahly defender and saved by the goalkeeper, leading to a corner for Pirates. They maintained their pressure and created another chance in the 42nd minute, when Saleng fired a powerful shot from outside the box, only for it to go wide.
The first half concluded with a score of 0-0 as both teams were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. In the second half, the Buccaneers created another chance in the 55th minute, but Thalente Mbatha’s long-range shot went off target. Soon after, the Red Devils threatened to take the lead, but Sipho Chaine made a spectacular save to deny them.
In the 62nd minute, Al Ahly made their first substitution, bringing in Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau and Mohamed Moursy for Wessam Ali and Emam Abdelghany. The Buccaneers had a defensive mistake in the 67th minute that nearly allowed the visitors to score.
After that misstep, Riveiro opted to substitute Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa in for Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Red Devils had a golden chance in the 84th minute from close range, yet Chaine produced yet another remarkable save to keep the score level.