Orlando Pirates earned a goalless draw away at Diables Noirs as they began their CAF Confederation Cup journey in the second preliminary round on Friday.
Bongani Sam, Fortune Makaringe, Bandile Shandu and Kabelo Dlamini brought back to the fore, while Kwanda Mngonyama was given his Pirates debut.
The Buccaneers came under immense pressure in the opening exchanges, as Diables came out hungry but the visitors did well to stop their forays, while shot-stopper Siyabonga Mpontshane made no save.
However, just as the Soweto giants were settling in the game after the first quarter of an hour, they started creating chances of their own. Just before the half-hour mark, Tshegofatso Mabasa went clear on goal but Diables goalkeeper was quick off his line to thwart the danger.
The Congelese side gained momentum in the closing stages of the first stanza, with their home fans cheering them on but the South Africans kept things tight at the back.
After the break, the game opened up and Diables were more physical and looking to pounce, but Pirates opted for a change in personnel as Thabang Monare replaced Kabelo Dlamini to strengthen the midfield.
The hosts were mounting pressure on the Buccaneers, as Mpontshane made his first save of the game by stopping a fierce volley to keep Pirates in the game.
However, the visitors had a big chance to nick an away goal in the final quarter from a set-piece just outside the box but Mabasa glanced Monare’s cross just inches wide.
It was a ding-dong affair in the final minutes as both Monare and Mabasa forced saves out of the Diables goalkeeper before Mpontshane was also called up into the action, but the sides ended up sharing the spoils.