Orlando Pirates held by La Cure Waves in CAF Champions League opener

Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by semi-professional Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie on Sunday.

The Buccaneers had been expected to begin their campaign with a positive result against opposition considered among the less experienced teams in the competition, but they could not find a way through despite controlling much of the match.

Orlando Pirates are targeting at least a place in the group stages this season after their campaign ended in the preliminary round last term. Their failure to win in Mauritius means the tie remains finely balanced before the return match at Orlando Amstel Arena next weekend.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a number of changes to his starting XI for the first leg. Rapoo, Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma were among those rested, while Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ghampani Lungu, Tshepang Moremi and Sebastian Pedersen were not included in the squad.

New signing Mohau Nkota was also left out.

Pirates enjoyed the greater share of possession during the opening half but struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances. Their best opportunity fell to Boitumelo Radiopane, although the in-form striker failed to hit the target.

La Cure Waves offered little threat going forward, but their organised defence frustrated the South African side and ensured the score remained level at the interval.

Pirates began the second half with a promising free-kick in a dangerous position. Deon Hotto, however, sent his effort straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.

The visitors continued to control proceedings, yet genuine scoring opportunities remained difficult to create. With the deadlock still intact, Ouaddou made his first changes after 64 minutes, bringing on Mbuthuma and Kgositsile.

Mokobodi and Ngwato were introduced 10 minutes later as Orlando Pirates increased their attacking options, but the additional changes failed to alter the outcome.

Mbuthuma came closest to breaking the deadlock late in the match when he met a corner with a header. His effort, though, sailed over the crossbar.

The result leaves Orlando Pirates with work to do in the second leg. A victory at Orlando Amstel Arena next weekend would send them through, while any failure to win could see their hopes of reaching the next stage disappear at the first hurdle for a second successive season.