Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC played out a tight 0-0 draw in a heated CAF Champions League semifinal first leg clash on Saturday afternoon in Soweto.
Both sides pushed for a breakthrough in a tense affair, but chances were few and far between. The visitors thought they had grabbed the lead just before the break when Fiston Mayele found the net in the 44th minute. However, VAR intervened, and the goal was chalked off for offside.
Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurčić approached the officials at halftime, seeking clarity on the decision.
The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams battling for control. Late drama unfolded in the 88th minute when Congolese forward Feston Mailly scored what looked like the opener. But once again, the goal was ruled out, with Burundian referee Pacific Ndabihawinimana disallowing it for offside.
Jurčić was visibly upset, insisting his player received the ball from the Pirates’ defence.
Tensions flared between the benches after the incident, but things calmed quickly.
The second leg is set for April 25 in Egypt.
