Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Madagascar’s Disciples in the first leg of their preliminary round at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre, Mauritius. The deadlock leaves both teams on equal footing as they head into the second leg at Orlando Stadium, with everything to play for in the pursuit of advancing to the next stage of the competition.
The match opened with the Disciples showing their intent early on, putting the Buccaneers’ defense under pressure.
Just seven minutes in, Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was called into action to deal with a dangerous cross delivered into the penalty area.
The Malagasy side, hailing from Antsirabe, maintained their aggressive start, dominating possession in the opening quarter of the game.
However, despite their early dominance, they failed to convert their advantage into a goal.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, struggled to break through the Disciples’ well-organized defense, which effectively employed the offside trap to stifle the South African side’s counterattacks.
The Buccaneers found themselves on the back foot for much of the first half, with limited opportunities to challenge the opposition’s goal.
The first significant chance for Pirates came after the hour mark when Relebohile Mofokeng found himself in a promising position, only to see his shot deflected wide of the target.
Monnapule Saleng also managed to beat the offside trap in the 37th minute, racing towards goal before forcing a save from Disciples’ goalkeeper Ando Andrianavalona.
Despite the effort, this would prove to be the best opportunity for Pirates in the first half, as both teams went into the break still deadlocked.
The second half saw both sides come out with renewed determination to break the stalemate.
The Disciples continued to press, but Chaine remained alert, making a comfortable save in the 52nd minute to deny Andy Rakotondrajoa.
Orlando Pirates, eager to seize control of the tie, pushed forward in search of the elusive opener.
Kabelo Dlamini came close in the 61st minute, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that required a reflex save from Andrianavalona.
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa also had a few chances to put the Buccaneers ahead, including a volley that flew over the bar and another attempt that was denied by the woodwork.
As the match drew to a close, it was the Disciples who looked more likely to find a late winner, forcing Pirates to defend resolutely.
However, despite their efforts, neither team could find the breakthrough, leaving the contest evenly poised ahead of the return leg in South Africa.
This stalemate sets the stage for a high-stakes second leg at Orlando Stadium, where Orlando Pirates will look to capitalize on home advantage to secure their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers will need to sharpen their attacking prowess if they are to overcome the resilient Malagasy champions and advance in the tournament.
