Orlando Pirates and Al Ahli Benghazi couldn’t be separated as they played to a goalless draw in their CAF Confederation Cup game at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.
While Pirates are the only unbeaten team in the group, the result sees Pirates drop to second in Group A, on 5 points after three games. Al Ahli are third on 4 points.
Nigeria’s Enyimba moved top of the group on 6 points, after their 2-1 home win against bottom-placed ES Setif. Setif have 1 point.
Al Ahli Benghazi 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Wayne Sandilands was back in the starting line-up and was involved early on in the game, and he made good stop at the feet of an oncoming striker in he 8th minute, though did get a knock in the face for his efforts.
But apart from those early forays, it was Pirates who controlled possession and began to create the opportunities, though it took until Vincent Pule’s effort in the 20th minute to test goalkeeper Abdujwad Aboubaker.
But shots on target were few and far between, Ben Motshwari’s chance just before halftime a good example, as he blasted over from just outside the box, and at halftime it remained goalless in Libya.
Motshwari came close to the opening the scoring in the 53rd minute, but his long range effort struck the upright.
Tshegofatso Mabasa came on off the bench and almost immediately forced a save out of the keeper in the 68th minute. Mabasa tried again moments later but shot after, before Aboubaker denied Gabadinho Mhango.
On the other end Sandilands made two important saves, first in the 72nd minute, and then again a minute later, as the home team enjoyed a good period. The veteran keeper was at it again with fifteen minutes to go, pulling off a good low save.
Pirates pushed for a winner, and it almost came in stoppage tim, but Mhango’s effort hit the upright and it wasn’t to be, and Pirates had to settle for a point on the road.
