Pirates in CAF semi-finals

Orlando Pirates are through to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League despite playing to 0-0 draw with Al Ahly. They finished on eight points, second behind Group A winners Al Ahly. The only negative for the Soweto giants is the daunting task of playing Group B winners Espérance of Tunisia.

 

The game started with Pirates knocking the ball well in their own half and the Egyptians were happy to let them have it. They only time they pressed is when the home team crossed the half-way line.

 

Roger De Sa shocked everyone by demoting attacking full-back Thabo Matlaba to the bench in favour of Patrick Phungwayo. The Buccaneers had the better of the chances in the opening half but erratic finishing proved to be their downfall.

 

The best chance of the first half fell to Sifiso Myeni on the half-hour mark. Myeni found himself unmarked but scuffed his shot wide, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

 

Six minutes later Daine Klate also got his shot off target after a good cross from Tlou Segolela from the right. It was still goalless at the break but the good news for Pirates was that Zamalek came from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead into the dressing room.

 

With both teams seemingly through to the knock-out stages, the second half was uninspiring as chances were few and far between. The game game ended in a scoreless draw and Bucs booked their spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2006.

 

- Jacasport