Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates dropped to second spot in Group A after playing to a goalless away to Al-Ahli Benghazi on Sunday evening.
Pirates were determined to record a win which would take them to the top of the group standings and also return to winning ways after losing 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs on March 21.
Coach Josef Zinnbauer recalled Wayne Sandilands, Fortune Makaringe, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Frank Mhango to the starting line-up as he made four changes to the team which faced Chiefs.
On the other hand, the Butchers were looking to make it two wins in a row in the group stage having edged out ES Setif 1-0 in their last competitive match on March 17.
Libya international Murad Al-Wuheeshi started in goal, while Jibreel Alwadawi, who scored against Setifi led the attack as coach Dejan Arsov looked to mastermind a win over Pirates.
Pirates started slowly and this allowed Al Ahli to push forward in numbers and they threatened first when Alwadawi forced goalkeeper Sandilands into a fine save.
The first half was a lively affair, with Ibrahem Bodabous getting another chance for the hosts from a free-kick five minutes before the break but his strike sailed just wide of Sandilands’ goal.
Ben Motshwari came close to breaking the deadlock for Pirates seven minutes after the break with a cracking strike from outside the box that came off the upright, while Mhango also came close to getting the breakthrough for the visitors in the 68th minute but his strike was saved by Wuheeshi after a through ball by Vincent Pule.
Alwadawi had a big chance for Al Ahli in the lead in the last quarter of an hour with a close range strike that was brilliantly saved by Sandilands.
The result saw Pirates remain second on the group standings – a point behind leaders, Enyimba with three matches left as the battle to reach the quarter-finals continues.
Pirates will now host Al Ahli on April 11, while Nigerian giants Enyimba will be away to Algerian side ES Setif on the same day.