Surprise score in Orlando Pirates’ first CAF Champions League match
· The South African
Orlando Pirates travelled to the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre on Sunday afternoon as overwhelming favourites.
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The Betway Premiership champions left with a result that will raise plenty of questions.
ORLANDO PIRATES KICK OFF CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The Buccaneers entered the continental clash in excellent form after a flawless start to their domestic campaign. However, that momentum failed to translate into goals against a stubborn La Cure Waves defence.
The Mauritian champions showed no fear. They sat deep and remained compact throughout the opening 45 minutes. Pirates enjoyed most of the possession but struggled to turn that control into clear chances.
The visitors lacked the final pass. They also lacked the clinical finish needed to break the deadlock.
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At half-time, the score remained 0-0.
BUCCANEERS FAIL TO BREAK WALL
The Orlando Pirates technical team attempted to change the game after the break. Yanela Mbuthuma was introduced shortly after the hour mark, replacing Boitumelo Radiopane.
The change briefly injected more energy into the attack. But La Cure Waves responded by making defensive adjustments of their own.
The hosts continued to frustrate Bucs and successfully slowed the tempo whenever the visitors looked threatening. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men struggled to create the dangerous transitions that have become a feature of their attacking play.
The longer the match remained goalless, the more comfortable the Mauritian champions appeared. Eventually, the final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw.
It leaves everything to play for in the second leg.
ORLANDO PIRATES HAVE WORK TO DO
The result will undoubtedly disappoint the Soweto giants. They were expected to return to South Africa with a lead.
Instead, the Buccaneers must now finish the job at home. The advantage is that the second leg will be played on familiar territory at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Orlando Pirates will know they cannot afford another frustrating attacking display. One goal could change everything.
The Buccaneers will now look to use their home advantage to eliminate La Cure Waves and secure their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League.
For now, however, the Mauritian debutants have achieved something few expected. They have kept Orlando Pirates scoreless.