Orlando Pirates failed to beat Pyramids at home in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Jose Riveiro opted to field a slightly more attacking line-up, with Thapelo Xoki making way for Patrick Maswanganyi compared to their most recent CAF Champions League games, while Tshegofatso Mabasa started instead of Evidence Makgopa upfront.
At first it looked like Riveiro’s tweaks were bearing fruits, as the Sea Robbers started the stronger of the two sides.
Thalente Mbatha had the first real chance of the game but his powerful shot from outside the box was parried by El-Shenawy.
Patrick Maswanganyi had another chance for the hosts but his shot only hit the outside of the post after 15 minutes.
However, the score remained goalless until just before half-time when Mbekezeli Mbokazi misjudged a long ball and Fiston Mayele was there to score from a volley. However, the goal was ruled out after VAR review.
The game stayed on a the edge in the early stages of the second half, but Pyramids created the better opening, especially in the 60th minute.
First Deano Van Rooyen superbly blocked Pyramids’ Mostafa Fathy from a one-on-one with Sipho Chaine, before Mayele headed a superb cross over the bar a minute later.
There was another big talking point after Sodiq Awujoola thought he had scored the winner in the 85th minute but his goal was ruled out due handball after VAR review.
In the end, neither side managed to find a breakthrough, with the tie set to be decided in the second leg in Egypt.
