Pirates open CAF Champions League campaign with frustrating 0-0 draw
Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against lowly Disciples FC in the first leg of the first preliminary round in Mauritius.
Jose Riveiro’s troops were enjoying the lion’s share of ball possession and made several entries into the opponent’s penalty area; however, the Disciples’ defense remained resolute.
As the first half drew to a close, Monnapule Saleng was presented with a glorious chance to give the Betway Premiership side the lead when he faced the goalkeeper, but he sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.
Riveiro made a couple of changes in the early stages of the second half, bringing on Thalente Mbatha and Kabelo Dlamini for Makhehleni Makhaula and Relebohile Mofokeng. In the 80th minute, Mabasa came close to breaking the deadlock when his shot inside the box hit the crossbar.
The Madagascan club held on until the final whistle. Pirates will host Disciples in the second leg on Friday, 23 August at Orlando Stadium at 7:30 pm.
Why the match was taken to Mauritius?
As professional football has not yet reached the anticipated level in Madagascar, it is uncommon to find stadiums that have been approved to host CAF matches.
Consequently, the team had no alternative but to relocate their home game to the nearby island nation of Mauritius.
HOW DID IT GO FOR PIRATES’ NEXT POTENTIAL OPPONENTS?
Should the Buccaneers advance to the next round, they will face the winners between the Namibian club African Stars or Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy.
With no CAF-approved venues in Namibia, African Stars hosted the first leg in Galaxy’s home stadium, Botswana National Stadium.
The Namibian outfit surprisingly came out 1-0 victorious over the Morena Ramoreboli-led side. They will be looking to bounce back in the return tie which will be held at the same venue on Saturday, 24 August at 4 pm.
Interestingly, Galaxy eliminated the Buccaneers in the second preliminary round last season via the penalty shootout at Orlando Stadium.
Galaxy had secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, while the Pirates managed a 1-0 win in the second to force a penalty shootout.
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