Orlando Pirates faced disappointment after ending in a goalless draw with Al Ahly during the CAF Champions League match at the sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

With ticket sales reaching new heights on Friday, fans were eager for an exciting match, but unfortunately, the game did not deliver the goals they had hoped for.

Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro made only three alterations to the lineup that played against CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch following the FIFA international break.

Deano Van Rooyen, Paseka Mako, and Monnapule Saleng came in for Thabiso Monyane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and the talented Mohau Nkota, who had netted two goals against CR Belouizdad in Algeria. The first quarter of an hour saw a level contest, with both teams having their chances, but none could find the back of the net.

The Buccaneers’ first significant opportunity came in the 35th minute; however, Saleng’s effort was blocked by an Al Ahly defender and saved by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner for Pirates. They maintained their momentum and crafted another chance in the 42nd minute when Saleng struck a vigorous shot from outside the box, yet it flew past the goal.

The first half concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, as neither team could find a goal. In the second half, the Buccaneers had another chance in the 55th minute, but Thalente Mbatha’s long-range shot went off target. Soon after, the Red Devils nearly took the lead, but Sipho Chaine made a brilliant save to deny them.

In the 62nd minute, Al Ahly made their first substitution, bringing on Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau and Mohamed Moursy in place of Wessam Ali and Emam Abdelghany. The Buccaneers experienced a defensive mistake in the 67th minute, almost gifting the away side a goal.

In response to that error, Riveiro opted to substitute Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa out for Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Red Devils had a golden opportunity late in the game, in the 84th minute, but Chaine produced yet another remarkable save to maintain the score.