Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro expressed disappointment at his side’s goalless draw against Madagascar’s CS Disciples in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius on Sunday.

Riveiro acknowledged that either team could have emerged victorious, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. Pirates had the better chances, with Tshegofatso Mabasa coming close to breaking the deadlock, but the ball struck the woodwork.

“The opposition was excellent and any result could have been possible,” reflected Riveiro. 

“They could have won, and we could have won because both sides had very clear chances and, strangely, the game finished nil-nil. 

“We couldn’t capitalise [on the chances created] to at least go into the second leg with an advantage, but we didn’t concede so that’s also a positive.”  

Pirates will host the return leg at Orlando Stadium on Friday (19:30) and will need a win to progress to the next round. Last season, they were eliminated in the second round by Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy on penalties.

“We have less than a week to finalize this round in Orlando, and it won’t be easy because they’re a very good team,” concluded Riveiro, whose contract with Pirates expires at the end of the season.