Orlando Pirates held by La Cure Wave in Champions League opener

Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Mauritian champions La Cure Wave in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie on Sunday, leaving their hopes of reaching the group stage in the balance.

The Buccaneers were expected to take control against La Cure Wave, but despite enjoying most of the possession, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side struggled to create clear opportunities in Mauritius.

Pirates must now win the second leg in Soweto next Saturday at 15:00 if they are to secure progress and keep their Champions League campaign alive. The result is not disastrous, but it represents a frustrating start for a club determined to avoid another early exit from African competition.

The Soweto side suffered disappointment in last season’s campaign when DR Congo club Saint-Eloi Lupopo eliminated them on penalties in the second preliminary round. That result denied Pirates a place in the lucrative group stages.

Having won the Betway Premiership last season for the first time in more than a decade, Pirates returned to continental football hoping to make a deeper run. However, Ouaddou made several changes to his team for the trip to Mauritius.

Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma were among those left out of the starting XI, while Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ghampani Lungu, Tshepang Moremi and Sebastian Pedersen were not included in the squad. New signing Mohau Nkota was also absent.

Pirates dominated long periods of the first half but were unable to make their control count. Boitumelo Radiopane had one of the better openings available to the visitors, although he could not direct his effort on target.

The pattern continued after the interval. Deon Hotto threatened when Pirates were awarded a free-kick in a promising position, but the La Cure Wave goalkeeper dealt comfortably with his attempt.

As the match progressed, La Cure Wave remained compact and defended with numbers behind the ball. Pirates continued to have more possession, yet clear chances remained difficult to find.

Ouaddou attempted to change the contest by making a double substitution after 64 minutes, bringing on Mbuthuma and Kgositsile. Thapelo Mokobodi and Ngwato were introduced about 10 minutes later, but neither change produced the decisive moment Pirates needed.

The draw means the tie remains open ahead of the return match in Soweto. Pirates will have home advantage and the opportunity to settle the contest in front of their supporters, but their failure to score in Mauritius leaves little margin for error.

After last season’s painful continental exit, the stalemate serves as an early warning for the Buccaneers. Their route to the CAF Champions League group stage is still intact, but their opening step has proved considerably more difficult than anticipated.