Orlando Pirates match report: Bucs earn CAF Confederation Cup point
Orlando Pirates kicked started their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a dull 0-0 draw against ES Setif on Wednesday night.
The Buccaneers started on the back foot with Setif making their intentions very clear very early in the game.
And it took a goal-line clearance by Siphesihle Ndlovu for Pirates to stay in the game and keep the scoreline at 0-0 after Richard Ofori was beaten.
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The biggest setback of the first-half for Pirates was when Ofori had to be replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane in what is suspected to be a groin injury.
Mpontshane did brilliantly to thwart ES Setif attackers, especially from crosses as he dominated the 18-yard box.
Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule and Thulani Hlatshwayo had chances in the second-half, but none of their efforts hit the target as the scoreline remained 0-0.
Both sides relied on counter-attacking football with Paseka Mako giving Setif defenders a tough time on the left-hand side of the pitch before his attempted shot was blocked.
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He would then have to drift back and block an attempt from Setif a few minutes later as the home side looked to poke holes on the Pirates defence.
The game’s final goalscoring chance came in the 93rd minute when Thabang Monare’s free-kick found Pule inside the Setif box but the winger failed to put the ball into the back of the net.
Ultimately, both sides settled for a share of the spoils, meaning Enyimba top the group after winning their match against Al Ahli on the same day.
Pirates are placed second on the Group A log with a single point away from home.
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