Orlando Pirates secured a draw in their CAF Champions League match against reigning African champions Al Ahly, ending with a 0-0 scoreline at Orlando Stadium. The hosts were unable to break through the strong defense of the competition’s most successful team and remain in second place in Group C after sharing points once again in Soweto.
After almost ten years since their last meeting, the Buccaneers and the Red Devils faced off in a highly anticipated match. It was a battle for supremacy in their group as both teams had quickly climbed to the top two spots in the previous game week.
The sellout crowd had to wait patiently as the first half saw very few scoring opportunities for either team. Despite Pirates’ efforts to take advantage of playing at home, Al Ahly’s defense held strong and prevented any goals.
As the first half neared its end, Pirates tried to capitalize on set pieces to score but were unable to break through Al Ahly’s defense. Just before halftime, Monnapule Saleng had two close chances, missing narrowly with a shot from outside the penalty area and then having his attempt saved by Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
In the second half, Pirates continued to press forward and created more chances. Thalente Mbatha had a near miss with a shot from outside the box, coming inches away from scoring.
Both goalkeepers remained largely untested despite the increase in tempo in the second half. Sipho Chaine made a solid stop for Pirates from an Al Ahly set piece, while El Shenawy comfortably dealt with an attempt from Evidence Makgopa.
In the dying minutes of the game, Al Ahly had a few opportunities to score but were unable to find the back of the net. Substitute midfielder Hussein El Shahat forced Chaine to make a crucial save with little time remaining on the clock.
The match ended in a draw as both teams failed to score, completing their third consecutive stalemate in the Champions League at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates Starting XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Mako, Makhaula (Timm 81’), Mbatha (Dlamini 81’), Mofokeng, Saleng, Hotto (Nkota 69’), Makgopa (Mabasa 69’).
