Pirates walking Pyramids semi-final tightrope

ORLANDO Pirates' CAF Champions League unbeaten run remains intact - but only just.

- SMISO MSOMI

On a night when they needed to assert dominance and take control of their semi-final tie against Pyramids FC, the Buccaneers instead had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Worse still, it was VAR - not Pirates' performance ~ that saved them from defeat.

The Champions League semi-final first leg between the Egyptian side and Pirates in Soweto may have been a goalless draw, but it was anything but dull.

For the neutral, it was an entertaining clash. For Pirates, it was an evening filled with missed opportunities, nervy moments and growing concern about what lies ahead in the return leg in Cairo.

Twice, Pirates were bailed out by the video assistant referee.

Just before halftime, Pyramids thought they had broken the deadlock through Fiston Mayele, only for VAR to correctly rule the goal out for offside.