Orlando Pirates and Disciples FC drew 0-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Sunday.
Buccaneers recalled Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Nkosinathi Sibisi from the victory over SuperSport United in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 a few weeks ago.
It was no comfortable opening spell for the visiting nation who instead were on the back-foot and relied on the expertise in goal of a certain Sipho Chaine.
Disciples refused to be pushovers but managed to keep the Buccaneers on guard and in particular potent marksman leading the offensive component Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Exciting Relebohile Mofokeng did come extremely close to making the breakthrough following a clever shot from a tight angle, but he steered wide of the mark.
Pirates managed to enjoy more opportunities ahead of halftime with Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng surging ahead but neither were able to capitalise.
Action shifted swiftly to the side of the Buccaneers following the second period though the reliability of Chaine between the sticks ensured no breakthrough materialised.
Mofokeng was tasked to make way a few minutes in the resumption and granted Kabelo Dlamini to take his spot from the substitutes bench.
The introduction seemed inspired as Dlamini worked around the edge of the box to get in a shot from a sustained passing move, but he couldn't hit target.
Mabasa should've given the Soweto giants the lead late on with a clever shot on the turn following a pass from Dlamini, but he was unfortunately denied by the woodwork.
Pirates were unable to get the winner despite a persistent late pursuit, as the return-leg of this clash takes place on Friday in Soweto.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine; Sibisi, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Mabasa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Mbatha, Rasebotja, Kimvuidi, Dlamini, Moleleki, Makgopa