Orlando Pirates secured a place in the Caf Confederations Cup final set for Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday despite losing 1-0 to Libyan giants Al Ahli Tripoli at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.
Pirates went into the match carrying a 2-0 lead after last Sunday’s win in Libya. At their home ground, they faced a Tripoli that played with more purpose, enjoying more possession and dominating in the first half. Richard Ofori kept the Buccaneers in the game with two crucial saves early in the first half.
In the 16th minute, the North Africans thought they had been awarded a penalty before the referee turned it down after a VAR review. The second half was no different, with Pirates playing on the back foot as the visitors sought to level terms. Pirates started playing with intent with 10 minutes to go, but they struggled to create scoring opportunities.
However, the visitors pulled one back in the 89th minute when Ali Arqoub curled the ball immaculately beyond Ofori’s reach. But the late goal was not enough to salvage their continental campaign as the Soweto giants held on.
The Bucs will face the winner between RS Berkane and TP Mazembe in the other semi-final later tonight [Sunday]. Mazembe carry a 1-0 lead when they travel to Morocco for the return leg.
