Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw in a CAF Champions League Group C clash against Stade d’Abidjan at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium on Saturday night.
‘The Buccaneers’ goal came through a penalty from Evidence Makgopa, while the hosts scored through Ousmane Meite early in the second half.
The Soweto giants returned to the land where they etched their names in African football history. In 1995, Orlando Pirates achieved a landmark victory, claiming the CAF Champions League title.
A single, decisive goal from the legendary Jerry Sikhosana secured a 1-0 victory for the club, making them the first South African team to conquer the prestigious tournament.
ORLANDO PIRATES DRAW IN ABIDJAN DESPITE THEIR DOMINANCE AGAINST STADE D’ABIDJAN
It took seven minutes for the visitors to pose a threat with a shot from Makhehleni Makhaula inside the box. But his effort missed the target.
Relebohile Mofokeng nearly got the opening goal for Pirates 13 minutes into the match, but his curling shot missed the target by inches.
Pirates missed another golden opportunity to take the lead a few minutes later after the home side’s sloppy defence was found wanting. But both Evidence Makgopa and Mofokeng could not pounce on the opportunity.
Namibian international Deon Hotto also came close for Pirates with a curler 16 minutes into the match. But his shot also missed the target by inches as ‘Bucs’ continued with their dominance. Hotto was the culprit a minute later when he was supposed to take a shot at goal but instead wanted to connect with a teammate. However, the Stade d’Abidjan managed to contain the situation.
ORLANDO PIRATES GO TOP OF THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP C
Pirates continued to dominate on the field but had nothing to show for it. The home side’s first chance came in the 38th minute but was not much of a threat for Sipho Chaine.
The visitors were awarded a penalty on the stroke of halftime after Mofokeng was brought down inside the box. Makgopa easily converted to give Pirates a 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.
The home side came back into the second half, showing more intent. They were rewarded for their resonant fight with a goal through a header from Ousmane Meite.
Ten minutes later, Makgopa missed an opportunity to regain the lead after failing to beat the keeper one-on-one.
Despite the efforts from both clubs, the match ended 1-1. The result also means that Pirates temporarily go to the top of the Group with five points.
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