Orlando Pirates kicked off their CAF Champions League with a disappointing goalless draw against Disciples from Madagascar in the opening leg of their First Preliminary Round clash at Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre. The result means that the two sides head into the final leg all square after neither managed to grab the upper hand in a highly competitive encounter in Mauritius.
Pirates had to withstand an early charge from the home side with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine called upon to deal with a dangerous ball delivered into the box seven minutes in. The men from Antsirabe remained on the ascendancy for much of the opening quarter, but without affecting the scoreboard, while using the offside trap effectively at the other end as Pirates looked to counter.
It took until after the hour mark for the Buccaneers to spark an opportunity at goal as Relebohile Mofokeng looked to pounce from a tight angle, but his shot was deflected away from the target.
Monnapule Saleng managed to beat the offside trap in the 37th minute, going clear towards goal before forcing a save off goalkeeper Ando Andrianavalona. That turned out to be Pirates’ best chance of the first half as the two sides returned to the tunnel still deadlocked.
The hosts emerged from the break looking to push ahead but could not trouble Chaine who made a fairly comfortable save in the 52nd minute, denying Andy Rakotondrajoa.
At the other end, the Soweto Giants continued to pursue the opener. They were not far from edging ahead in the 61st minute as Kabelo Dlamini drew Andrianavalona into a reflex save with a powerfully struck shot from the edge of the box.
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa had a few chances in the second half when he volleyed over the bar from close range before being denied by the woodwork moments later with an effort from inside the box.
The Malagasy champions however finished the contest the brighter of the two sides as they continued to force the Buccaneers to defend while erring with the final touch.
Neither side could find the breakthrough in the end in the historic first clash between the two sides who are scheduled to meet again in the deciding clash at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Ndah, Sesane, Hotto, Makhaula (Mbatha 46’), Ndlondlo, Saleng (Kimvuidi 79’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng (Dlamini 58’), Mabasa (Makgopa 79’).
