In an electrifying CAF Champions League clash, Orlando Pirates bravely held the record champions Al Ahly to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, continuing Al Ahly's struggles on South African soil. Here, Herman Gibbs looks at the key takeaways from the match.
Al Ahly's South African struggles
Despite being the reigning Champions League title-holders, Al Ahly have yet to secure a victory in South Africa over the past two decades. The Red Devils’ record now shows eight draws and seven defeats when playing on South African soil.
Possession battle
The Sea Robbers showcased superior control with 53% possession during the match. They fired off several attempts at goal, significantly outpacing Al Ahly's six shots, with five of their nine total shots being taken from outside the penalty area.
Outstanding goalkeeping performance
Despite Pirates’ attacking efforts, it was Al Ahly who managed the more threatening shots at goal. The Bucs goalkeeper, Chaine Sipho made five spectacular saves, earning him the Player of the Match title as he kept the scoreline level.
Late chance for victory
As the match neared its conclusion, a potential winning opportunity for the Pirates emerged. A header from centre-back connected after an unmarked run into the attack but narrowly missed the upright, leaving both teams sharing the spoils.
Surprising team selection
Pirates' coach, José Riveiro, made a surprising tactical choice by including Monnapule Saleng in the starting line-up instead of Mohau Nkota. Saleng’s absence from prior matches raised eyebrows, but Riveiro only referred to a "tactical" decision without further elaboration.
Mystery of Maswanganyi's absence.
The absence of key player Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi from the squad added an air of mystery to the match. Coach Riveiro cited unspecified reasons for Maswanganyi's unavailability, sparking speculation among fans.