Pirates salvage a draw in CAF Confed

IN the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary qualifiers, Orlando Pirates managed a goalless draw with Diables Noirs in the first leg away at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-debat yesterday afternoon.

In order to keep their chances of qualifying for the group stage alive, Bucs will need to win at home in the return leg next Sunday. Pirates will be disappointed by yesterday’s result as that was their second successive draw in all competitions.

After a disappointing outing in the domestic campaign recently, bagging a point out of a possible six, Pirates were looking to turn their fortunes around on the continent as their quarter-final stage finish last term was deemed not good enough.

Yesterday, co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids made a host of changes to the team that last drew with Cape Town City, with fringe players getting a rare opportunity.

A notable change was in the heart of defence where Kwanda Mngonyama was slotted in.

After arriving with much fanfare from Maritzburg United during pre-season, Mngonyama finally made his debut for the Buccaneers. He was in good company, with captain Happy Jele holding his hand in the defensive unit.

The pair made an impression defensively but Pirates will be disappointed with their striking unit.

Marksman Tshegofatso Mabasa needed to redeem himself, especially after a disappointing outing for Bafana Bafana in Ethiopia.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos felt the Bucs talisman didn’t understand what was expected of him in the World Cup qualifiers, hence he was withdrawn just after the half-hour mark. He was replaced by Victor Letsoalo.

Pirates started the second half with improved vigour, looking for the opener. They survived a scare when Jele passed a concussion test after sustaining a kick to his head while attempting to clear a high ball with his head.

In the end, neither team could find the winner, making for a mouth-watering clash in Soweto on October 24. The South Africans will focus on domestic matters on Wednesday when they visit Maritzburg United in Pietermaritzburg.