Orlando Pirates survive Pyramids scare at home as Jose Riveiro's men fail to hand themselves Caf Champions League semi-final advantage

Pirates had a lucky escape when the video assistant referee cancelled Fiston Mayele's goal after ruling it was scored from an offside position on the cusp of half-time.

Towards the end of the match, Pyramids had another goal disallowed after Soudiq Ougla was adjudged to have scored using his hand and again, it took VAR to intervene.

With the Buccaneers struggling to break the Egyptian moneybags, the match ended 0-0.

Pyramids' Mohanad Lasheen controlled proceedings in midfield and made it difficult for Pirates to create many chances.

He outshone the Buccaneers' Makhehlene Makhaula for the better part of the match.

The Buccaneers failed to hand themselves a first-leg lead ahead of the return fixture in Egypt.

However, they could take solace in that they never conceded a goal in their own backyard this season and now travel to North Africa hoping to grab an away goal.

Pirates have almost a full week to prepare to face Pyramids in the second leg when the two sides meet next Friday.

The Egyptian giants will also not be involved in midweek action ahead of hosting the Buccaneers.