Orlando Pirates played out to a goalless draw with ES Setif on Wednesday in their CAF Confederation Cup group A encounter.
The South African outfit remains unbeaten in the group stages of the competition and stay on course to reach the next round of the competition with that draw at the Orlando stadium.
After their recent 2-1 win over Maritzburg in the DStv Premiership, coach Josef Zinnbauer gave Siyabonga Mpontshane a start between the sticks while Thulani Hlatshwayo returned to the defence.
The bottom placed visitors started brightly and quickly made their intentions known in the opening exchanges as Mpontshane was forced into making a fine save inside the opening five minutes.
It took almost quarter of an hour before Pirates could muster a shot on goal. Deon Hotto fired straight at the goalkeeper before Tshegofatso Mabasa’s effort was blocked few minutes later.
Goalkeeper Mpontshane then picked up a knock and was subsequently replaced by first-choice goalie Sandilands in the 22nd minute.
Hero at the weekend, Pule combined with Mabasa to set up Hotto, but the latter’s header went over the bar from close range ten minutes from the halftime break.
Later, a big chance fell at the feet of Mabasa to put his side ahead before the break but he shockingly blazed over the bar from just six yards out.
The second stanza started like the first ended, chances upon chances for either side to open the scoring. Sandilands made an excellent save to deny Mohammed Amoura’s effort while Pule failed to direct his header on target at the other end.
Pirates looked exhausted in the final quarter and Setif took charge of the game in search of the goal that could keep them in the competition but it was a resolute defensive performance from the Buccaneers to repel all form of attacks from the Algerians.
The Soweto giants stay top of Group A with nine points from five games and will face Nigerian side Enyimba in the final group game on match day six where they need just a point to reach the next round.
Pirates will now switch their focus back to domestic action when they travel to take on Moroka Swallows on Saturday. Only a point separates both sides on the standings and a win for either side will come as a blow to the losing party’s top-four hopes.