Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates failed to fire the side to victory against Disciples FC in the CAF Champions League yesterday. | BackpagePix
Smiso Msomi
Disciples 0
Orlando Pirates 0
Orlando Pirates played out to a frustrating goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round battle against Madagascar side Disciples yesterday.
The Sea Robbers huffed and puffed for 90 minutes but in the end could not find the back of the net at the Cote d'Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius. The second leg will take place at the Orlando Stadium next weekend.
The Buccaneers began their 2024/25 CAF Champions League expedition with huge expectations after a fairly successful previous campaign where they snatched two major trophies.
However, Jose Riveiro and his men have a chip on their shoulder this time around having been shockingly eliminated from the second preliminary round stage last season by Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy.
In his second crack at the competition, the “Spanish Guitar”, as he is known on the streets of Orlando, named a very offensive starting XI with only three recognised defenders on the pitch.
Olisa Ndah, who was captain on the day, was partnered with Thabiso Sesane and Nkosinathi Sibisi at the back, while Makhehleni Makhaula provided the steel and dictated the tempo of Pirates’ game in the role of central defensive midfielder.
Riveiro entrusted last season’s top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa to lead the attacking unit, with Monnapule Saleng and Relebohile Mofokeng providing the creativity out on the wings.
The game started slowly for Pirates under difficult conditions on an artificial pitch, as they had to weather an early storm from Disciples, who themselves were in unfamiliar territory having been ordered to play their match in Mauritius due to grounds in Madagascar failing to meet CAF standards.
☠️FT | Disciples 0 - 0 @orlandopirates
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 18, 2024
⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#CAFCL#OnceAlways#OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/AI0LnXdNcG
The first real chance of the game came in the 32nd minute through the young Mofokeng but after gliding towards the edge of the box, his deflected shot flashed across the goal for a corner kick.
Although on ‘neutral’ grounds, Disciples enjoyed more support from those in attendance and that seemed to fire them up towards the end of the first stanza as they attacked with menace.
Their clearest chance of the opening half came in the 43rd minute as slick combinations in the attacking third saw them get behind Pirates’ defence and create a one-on-one chance, but Sipho Chaine showed great instincts to snuff out the attack.
The two teams went into the break knowing that a big second half was required if they were to grab any advantage ahead of the second leg in Orlando next weekend. Having struggled to retain control of the match, Riveiro introduced Kabelo Dlamini in the place of Mofokeng as he looked to outnumber Disciples in midfield.
With Dlamini behind him, Patrick Maswanganyi played with more freedom and created Pirates’ best chance of the game in the 69th minute but his devilish lofted cross was turned over the bar by Mabasa.
☠️📝 Starting XI 📝☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 18, 2024
🏆 #CAF Champions League 1st leg Prelim Round
🆚 Disciples FC
🏟 COTE D'OR NATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX
🕒 13:00 SAST
▶️ Streaming 🔗 👉🏾https://t.co/DJBJZAWrQa…
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways #OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/yzEx3QDtNO
It looked like it would only be a matter of time before the visitors found the lead as three minutes later, Dlamini smashed an effort off the crossbar after intricate work in the box.
Despite Pirates making four more changes in the latter stage of the game, they could not find the winning goal.