Ahly Frustrates Pirates in Home Match

Orlando Pirates experienced frustration after settling for a goalless draw against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League fixture at the full-capacity Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

With ticket sales surging on Friday, supporters anticipated a thrilling encounter, but the match ultimately failed to provide the goals they were yearning for.

Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro implemented just three changes to the starting eleven that competed 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 scored two goals against CR Belouizdad in Algeria. The first 15 minutes of the match were balanced, with both teams enjoying their moments, yet neither could break the deadlock.

The Buccaneers had their initial chance in the 35th minute; however, Saleng’s attempt was blocked by an Al Ahly defender and saved by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick for Pirates. They kept up their pressure and created another opportunity in the 42nd minute, when Saleng unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area, but it sailed wide of the goal.

The first half ended at 0-0, with both teams failing to score. In the second half, the Buccaneers had another opportunity in the 55th minute, but Thalente Mbatha’s shot from distance missed the target. Shortly afterward, the Red Devils came close to taking the lead, but Sipho Chaine produced a magnificent save to thwart them.

In the 62nd minute, Al Ahly implemented their first substitution, introducing Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau and Mohamed Moursy for Wessam Ali and Emam Abdelghany. The Buccaneers made a defensive lapse in the 67th minute, almost allowing the away team to score.

Following that error, Riveiro decided to substitute Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa for Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Red Devils had a prime opportunity in the 84th minute from close range, yet Chaine delivered another outstanding save to keep the scoreline intact.