Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC played out a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at a packed FNB Stadium, but the result barely told the story of a match dominated by VAR controversy and missed opportunities. The Egyptian visitors saw two goals ruled out by video reviews, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s decisive second leg in Cairo.
Pyramids thought they had broken the deadlock twice: first in the 44th minute when Fiston Mayele volleyed home, only for VAR to flag him offside during the build-up. Then, substitute Sodiq Ougola’s 88th-minute strike was chalked off for a handball in the sequence, sparking fury on the Pyramids bench.
Pirates had their own chances, with Patrick Maswanganyi rattling the post in the first half, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made critical saves to keep the hosts level. Mayele also squandered a golden header in the 60th minute, summing up a night of frustration for both sides.
Pyramids’ coach Krunoslav Jurcic fumed over the VAR decisions but praised his team’s resilience: “For me, we won 2-0. I’m proud of how we played and the chances we created. Football can be cruel, but we’ll fight harder at home”
Pirates’ José Riveiro, meanwhile, acknowledged his side’s defensive discipline but admitted they lacked attacking sharpness: “We survived moments we shouldn’t have. The second leg will demand more courage and precision”.
The stalemate leaves everything to play for in Egypt. Pirates, unbeaten in eight matches across competitions, must now score away to advance, while Pyramids—winless in three games—will rely on their home advantage and attacking pedigree to overturn the deadlock. The South Africans’ defensive solidity (four consecutive clean sheets) clashes with Pyramids’ continental-best attack (2.3 goals per game), setting the stage for a tactical showdown.
For Pirates, a first Champions League final since 2013 remains within reach, but their inability to secure a home advantage could prove costly. Pyramids, debutants at this stage, aim to leverage their financial muscle and ambition to script a historic upset. One thing is certain: VAR’s influence will linger long in the memory as both teams vie for a place in African football’s grandest finale.
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