@Pirates_Updates: Take a look at five key moments in the game that swung the match in the Buccaneers favour. 1. The opening goal scored by Thandani Ntshumayelo (11th Minute) The early stages of the match saw the Egyptian giants dominating proceedings, but in a swift and accurate passing movement, the Buccaneers turned the game on its head in the 11th minute. In a quick break out Ntshumayelo and Collins Mbesuma combined beautifully with a couple of one-twos which saw Ntshumayelo make his way into the box and produce a clinical finish to give his side the lead. With that goal Pirates were afforded the chance to relax and implement a style of organised defence as Al Ahly looked to apply the pressure, and by doing so left themselves exposed to the counter-attack. 2. Senzo Meyiwa penalty save (37th minute) Al Ahly were afforded the perfect opportunity to get back into the game in the 37th minute when Andile Jali brought down Ahmed Abdul Zaher inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Walid Soliman stepped up to take the spot-kick, but he saw his effort brilliantly saved by Meyiwa, diving to his left to make the stop. Had Al Ahly drew level from the penalty it would have changed the face of the game and they would likely of run out winners. 3. Ahmed Abdul Zaher’s Red Card (45+4’) The match really turned in Pirates’ favour when Zaher was shown his second yellow card of the match after a studs-up tackle on Lucky Lekgwathi shortly before the end of the half. The sending off meant that with the extra man advantage and the fact that the Egyptians were playing during Ramadan that Al Ahly would definitely tire in the second 45, and all Pirates had to do was take advantage. 4. Andile Jali’s penalty goal (73rd minute) Orlando Pirates confirmed their dominance in the match with their second goal from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after Ahmed Fathi pulled down Daine Klate inside the box with a reckless challenge. Jali was as cool as ice when taking the spot-kick, sending the keeper the wrong way with an expert finish. Had Jali missed the spot-kick the game could have taken a very different turn as Al Ahly were starting to mount a comeback. The goal, however, killed their enthusiasm. 5. Sifiso Myeni’s goal (76th minute). The icing on the cake and an impressive performance for Pirates was their third goal, which was undoubtedly the best of the game and killed of the match as a contest. Jali supplied a beautifully flicked ball over the Al Ahly defence which Myeni controlled with utter class, rounded the keeper and toe-poked the ball home to confirm Pirates first three points in a CAF champions League match against Egyptian opposition.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 06:38:44 +0000
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