Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Madagascar champions Disciples FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg and it is all to play for in the second leg in South Africa.
Pirates started the game which was played on an artificial turf very slow, and had their first notable attempt in the 19th minute but Tshegofatso Mabasa was flagged offside as Disciples looked more comfortable playing offside trap.
The Buccaneers had a great opportunity to open the score in the 32nd minute when Relebohile Mofokeng dazzled inside the 18 area and went past two defenders but failed to hit the target.
Five minutes later, Patrick Maswanganyi played a through ball to Monnapule Saleng whose shot to the near post was easily dealt with by the goalkeeper.
After 40 minutes of football, Saleng created another chance out of nothing, as he went through on goal but he fired wide, and the score remained 0-0.
The second half kicked off, Pirates pushed from the start to get that crucial away goal but the Disciples remained compact and not willing to crack.
Disciples had their first shot on target in the 52nd minute but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine dealt with it very well.
The Madagascar side looked more comfortable, as they had a glorious opportunity in the 67th minute but the header went straight at Chaine as he comfortably saved it.
After 69 minutes of football Pirates piled the pressure on, putting silky passes together to set up Tshegofatso Mabasa who was denied by the crossbar.
Disciples had two more great chances in the end but the Buccaneers held onto the point away from home and it is all to play for in the second leg in South Africa at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
