Pirates Held Goalless by Debutants in Frustrating Champions League Opener
Orlando Pirates’ return to the CAF Champions League got off to a frustrating start after the Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw by Mauritian debutants La Cure Waves in the first leg of their First Preliminary Round clash at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre on Saturday.
Heading into the encounter as overwhelming favourites, Pirates arrived in Mauritius on the back of five consecutive victories in all competitions, scoring 13 goals without conceding once.
But despite dominating possession and creating the better opportunities, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side failed to break down a disciplined La Cure Waves defence.
Ouaddou named a changed starting XI featuring debutante Cristian Derbyshire alongside experienced campaigners like Deon Hotto, and Oswin Appollis.
However, the Buccaneers lacked the cutting edge needed to convert their superiority into goals.
The result is a major surprise considering the gulf between the two clubs. La Cure Waves are playing in the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history, with many of their players reportedly earning modest salaries and balancing football with other commitments.
Pirates, meanwhile, are one of Africa’s biggest clubs, boasting the 1995 CAF Champions League title and a 2013 runners-up finish.
It also continues an uncomfortable trend for Pirates away from home in the preliminary rounds.
They were held to another 0-0 draw by Madagascar’s Disciples in Mauritius during the 2024 qualifiers before progressing, while last season their continental campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion against St Éloi Lupopo.
The tie is now delicately poised ahead of the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on 12 September.
Pirates will be expected to finish the job in Soweto, but the goalless draw has piled pressure on Ouaddou and his players to avoid another embarrassing early exit from Africa’s premier club competition.
