CAF Confed Cup: Orlando Pirates Suffered a 3-2 Loss in Libya to Al-Ittihad
Orlando Pirates were defeated 3-2 by Al-Ittihad in a thrilling CAF Confederation Cup match in Libya on Sunday.
As a result, the Buccaneers now have one win and one loss in Group B, which also includes Swaziland’s Royal Leopards and Algeria’s JS Saoura.
It was an enthralling encounter that ebbed and flowed and was replete with entertainment and goal-scoring opportunities, but Pirates found themselves on the back foot after Sanad Al Warfal opened the scoring after just 14 minutes at the Martyrs of February Stadium.
Shandu then equalized on 28 minutes with his first goal, only for Pirates to surrender two minutes later to Muad Essay.
Shandu equalized in the first minute of injury time at the end of the first half, leaving the teams level at 2-2 following a hectic opening period.
Omar Al Khouja scored the game-winning goal with 53 minutes remaining.
On 66 minutes, Al Khouja may have put the game beyond doubt, but goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane was up to the task.
Gabadinho Mhango then came off the bench for Bucs against Zakhele Lepasa, but his 75th-minute attempt from the edge of the box was blocked.
The home squad became less aggressive as time ran out, but Pirates did not relent, throwing everything forward in pursuit of a late equalizer.
Mhango’s late attempt on goal was then stopped, and it proved to be Pirates’ final chance to salvage something from this stalemate.
