Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly played to a 0-0 draw in their Group C fixture in a fiery CAF Champions League clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Ahly came into the match as group leaders after their opening day 4-2 victory over Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo while Pirates beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 in Algiers.
With the record 11-time champions yet to win a match in South Africa in 15 attempts, it made for a tantalising encounter against the in-from Buccaneers.
There was perhaps less room for complacency given Pirates losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch in the league last week but his side managed to hold their own against the African champions.
It was a fixture filled with heart, hard running, counter-pressing and rash challenges and less clear-cut chances in an environment where you almost felt sorry for the sets of players giving their all in 35 degree plus heat in Soweto.
Thalente Mbatha possibly went closest to scoring within the hour mark with two long range efforts just sailing slightly wide of the diving captain of Ahly, Mohamed El-Shenaway.
While the visitors rarely tested Sipho Chaine in Pirates goal, as the creative players from both sides were nullified in a highly tactical and physically demanding game.
Ahly remain top with +2 goal difference, one goal ahead of the Buccaneers, with both sides on four points after two games.
