The Soweto giants have made their job more difficult as they must now win at home
Orlando Pirates failed to secure a first leg advantage in the CAF Champions League when their preliminary round tie away to Disciples FC ended goalless on Sunday.
The Buccaneers were looking for victory to make the return leg at the Orlando Stadium a bit comfortable but now find themselves in a must-win position in front of their own fans.
Pirates put in a toothless display in Mauritius, where the Madagascar champions hosted the match, with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng all guilty of missing the few chances that fell their way.
Can Pirates withstand home pressure in the second leg?
The Soweto giants were also thankful to goalkeeper Sipho Chaine for keeping out two good opportunities for Disciples, showing just how tense the situation was on the artificial turf in Mauritius.
It is not the result Jose Riveiro’s men had hoped for and it confirmed their fears after captain Innocent Maela had talked about the need to avoid going back home under pressure.
“It's crucial for us to go all out and make sure we don't lose in Mauritius because we don't want to have that pressure in the second leg in front of our supporters,” Maela told the Sowetan on Thursday.
Disciples will be looking to frustrate the Bucs in return leg
That is just what they got as they head to the second leg on August 23 under immense pressure to secure victory or risk exiting the competition at the first preliminary round.
The result plays into the hands of Disciplines since all they need to do is sit back and frustrate their hosts while waiting for them to commit numbers forward and hit them on the counterattack.
Pirates therefore find themselves in a position where they must score and also keep it tight at the back, a tough ask when home fans will be demanding an all-out attack.
