CAF Champions League
Result: Pirates 0-0 Al Ahly
Date: 22 September 2013
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates progressed into the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after their 0-0 draw at home to Al Ahly on Sunday afternoon.
Zamalek beat AC Leopards 4-1 at the same time, which ensured that a point was enough for the South Africans to progress as runners-up in Group A.
The Sea Robbers showed their intentions from the start as they were not scared to throw men forward but neither side was able to carve out a good chance in the opening 10 minutes.
Mohamed Aboutreika had the first shot at goal and it proved to be the only one they had of the half with his long-ranger being easy for Senzo Meyiwa to deal with.
Daine Klate picked out Tlou Segolela with a low cross three minutes later but the latter produced a poor first touch and the chance was gone.
Lennox Bacela saw his shot on the turn blocked before Sifiso Myeni had one of the best chances of the first period when the ball fell for him inside the area but he blasted into the side netting.
Klate then went close when he managed to get onto the end of a cross from Segolela but his stabbed effort was deflected off target.
Pirates were in control with loads of possession but Al Ahly continued to frustrate them in the final few minutes of the half as the deadlock remained at the break.
Myeni had the first sight of goal after the break but his effort from the edge of the area sailed over the crossbar.
Thulasizwe Mbuyane should have scored the opening goal in the 69th minute when the ball was deflected into his path but he blazed over when it seemed easier to score.
Al Ahly started to come into the game and with 14 minutes to go Walid Soliman almost smacked a first-time finish into the bottom corner for the visitors.
Klate was then wondering why he was not celebrating a winner as he powered a firm header at goal but the goalkeeper made a superb save to keep things level.
Tension was building in the final few minutes of the game but Pirates ensured that they secured a share of the spoils as well as a place in the semi-finals, where they meet Tunisian side Esperance.
Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Rooi Mahamutsa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Patrick Phungwayo, Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Oupa Manyisa, Lennox Bacela, Sifiso Myeni, Tlou Segolela, Daine Klate.
Al Ahly: Sherif Ekramy, Ramy Hisham, Sherif Abdel-Fadil, Ahmad Shedid Kenawi, Mohamed Naguib, Ahmed Adel Fathi, Walid Soliman, Mohamed Aboutrika, Ahmed Adul Zaher, Shehab Ahmed, Abdullah Said.
Check: The Final Group Standings
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