Orlando Pirates and Djabal Club d'Iconi could not be separated after the opening 45 minutes of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates made wholesale changes to the side that was held to a draw by Chippa United, as only Monnapule Saleng, Relebohile Mofokeng, Deon Hotto and Thabang Monare retained their places in the line-up.
The Buccaneers were up against Djabal's low block in the early exchanges but within five minutes Mofokeng drew a save out of the home side goalkeeper.
The Soweto giants continued to pin Djabal back in their own half and on 18 minutes Saleng had a chance to give them the lead after a cross by Thabiso Monyane but his shot was saved by the Djabal shot-stopper.
Jose Riveiro's charges were asking questions but only created a good chance again ten minutes before the interval after Bienvenu Eva Nga fired his shot narrowly wide.
After absorbing the pressure for much of the first stanza, Djabal carved out their first chance going forward just before the half-time break as they had a header that sailed over the crossbar and the sides remained deadlocked going to the break.
The Buccaneers controlled the game again from the start of the second stanza but they could not create clear chances and on the hour-mark, Riveiro made two changes, as Zakhele Lepasa replaced Eva Nga looking for the important away goal and Katlego Otladisa came on for Hotto in a tactical switch.
Djabal also fancied their chances going forward as they had a chance after that was blocked by Innocent Maela and opportunities opened up more for the Buccaneers in the closing stages, with Monnapule Saleng particularly threatening.
The Sea Robbers' pressure finally paid off three minutes before time after Lepasa broke the deadlock and got an important away goal for the visitors.
There was still time for the Buccaneers to get the second goal as late substitute Kabelo Dlamini forced Djabal goalkeeper into a save in added time but the Soweto giants settled for a narrow 1-0 win in the end.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Ofori, Maela, Mthethwa, Monyane, Mako, Monare, Makaringe, Saleng, Hotto, Mofokeng, Eva Nga.
Subs: Chaine, Marou, Xoki, Dlamini, Ndlondlo, Otladisa, Lepasa
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