The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came to the rescue for Orlando Pirates, who drew 0-0 with Pyramids FC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.
CAF Champions League
Result: Orlando Pirates 0-0 Pyramids FC
Date: 19 April 2025
Venue: FNB Stadium
Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro made two changes from the second leg against MC Alger in the last round as Patrick Maswanganyi came in for Kabelo Dlamini while Tshegofatso Mabasa replaced Evidence Makgopa upfront.
Click through the gallery above to see action from the Champions League tie.
The hosts made a positive start to the contest, as Mabasa and Thalenthe Mbatha managed to carve out a couple openings, with the latter going closest by forcing Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy into a good save.
The home side had to be wary of the visitors on the break, with Pyramids looking to utilise their pace over the top but the Buccaneers defenders remained alert to any openings.
However, Pyramids got the opening goal on the stroke of halftime via Fiston Mayele's superb volley in the box after Mbekezeli Mbokazi's mistimed headed clearance however after a check on the VAR monitor, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Buccaneers continued to dominate possession after the halftime break but with Pyramids defending deep in their own half, the hosts were restricted to efforts from distance.
The Egyptian Premier League leaders nearly caught the Buccaneers napping after the hour mark as Mayele latched on to a cross from Mohamed Chibi, but sent his header narrowly wide of Sipho Chaine's upright.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro responded with his first change on the night as Mabasa made way after a quiet night, as Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa entered the pitch for the final 30 minutes.
However, Pyramids had the ball in the back of the net on 88 minutes via a deflected effort from Sodiq Ougola but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for a handball, much to the annoyance of the visiting bench.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Makhaula, Mofokeng, Mbatha, Mabasa, Maswanganyi, Nkota.
Subs: Buthelezi, Xoki, Mako, Shandu, Ndlozi, Ndlondlo, Dlamini, Radiopane, Makgopa.
Pyramids: El-Shenawy, Sami, Marie, Hamdy, Lashin, El-Karty, Toure, Fathy, Hafez, Mayele
