Orlando Pirates faced disappointment after finishing in a goalless stalemate with Al Ahly during the CAF Champions League match at the packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
With ticket sales booming on Friday, fans were eager for an exciting match, but the game ultimately failed to deliver the goals they were hoping for.
Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro made only three adjustments to the starting lineup that played against CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch after the FIFA international break.
Deano Van Rooyen, Paseka Mako, and Monnapule Saleng replaced Thabiso Monyane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and the promising Mohau Nkota, who had netted twice against CR Belouizdad in Algeria. The initial 15 minutes of the match were evenly contested, with both sides having opportunities, yet neither could find the back of the net.
The Buccaneers had their first significant opportunity in the 35th minute; however, Saleng’s effort was blocked by an Al Ahly defender and saved by the goalkeeper, leading to a corner kick for Pirates. They sustained their pressure and created another chance in the 42nd minute when Saleng fired a strong shot from outside the box, but it went wide of the target.
The first half concluded at 0-0, with neither team managing to score. In the second half, the Buccaneers had a chance in the 55th minute, but Thalente Mbatha’s long-range shot went off target. Shortly thereafter, the Red Devils nearly took the lead, but Sipho Chaine made an incredible 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 moment of defensive uncertainty in the 67th minute, almost allowing the visitors to score.
Following that mistake, Riveiro opted to substitute Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa for Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Red Devils had a golden opportunity in the 84th minute from close range, but Chaine came up with another remarkable save to keep the score level.
