Staff Reporter.
@GalloImages.
Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw with Diables Noirs in the first leg of the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup at Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium on Friday evening.
It was the hosts who started the match on a high, pushing for an opener through Hardy Binguila and Grace Djimbi, who ensured the likes of debutant Kwanda Mngonyama and Sam Bongani stayed alert to stop the attacks.
Pirates had a chance after Kabelo Dlamini, who had been played in by Abel Mabaso, was fouled and the referee awarded them a free-kick. But the latter failed to make use of the chance and the ball eventually went out for a goal-kick.
The best chance for either side in the first 45 minutes fell to Tshegofatso Mabasa, but despite being one-on-one with Giscard Mavoungou, he could not find the back of the net.
In the second half, Pirates had a scare when Happy Jele was hit on the head in his bid to clear the ball. But he was cleared to continue much to the relief of the technical bench.
Diable Noirs resorted to physical play and it worked to an extent since they managed to pin Pirates in their own half. It forced the Pirates bench to change tactics and Thabang Monare was introduced in place of Dlamini.
Despite the many chances created by both teams, neither managed to get the ball in the back of the net.
The second leg will be played on October 24 at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.