Orlando Pirates went down 1-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg on Sunday afternoon.
Richard Ofori returned between the sticks for the Buccaneers, while Miguel Timm, Souaibou Marou and new signing Lesedi Kapinga were also handed starts by coach Jose Riveiro.
Pirates were under early pressure inside two minutes when Thabang Sesinyi charged in and arrowed a decent chance wide of Ofori's goal.
However, the Buccaneers hit back within seconds from the home side's threat after Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo forced a save out of the Galaxy goalkeeper with a smart effort.
Morena Ramoreboli's men did though make their next move count following the midway point of the half as Daniel Msendami profited to see the Buccaneers trail.
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Pirates didn't hold back and were out searching for the equaliser and came close when Marou looked to play in Kapinga, but the latter wasn't able to get a shot away.
Marou was heavily involved in the Buccaneers quest to draw level as he nodded a delivery from Deon Hotto over the top before going wide again from another smart supply.
The Buccaneers thought they had conceded again as a counter-attack caught them napping and allowed Benson Mangolo to double the home side's lead, however the goal was ruled out for an offside.
Pirates were keen to pull one back soon thereafter with Kapinga's teasing ball in for Innocent Maela, but the skipper wasn't able to take advantage.
Three changes from the Sea Robbers in the closing quarter followed with Siphelo Baloni, Bandile Shandu and Bienvenu Eva Nga on for Timm, Marou and James Monyane.
Pirates had numerous chances before the end though Fortune Makaringe, Kabelo Dlamini and Hotto failed to profit and will now head to the second leg trailing.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Ofori, Mthethwa, Xoki, Monyane, Maela, Timm, Ndlondlo, Kapinga, Hotto, Dlamini, Marou
Subs: Buthelezi, Baloni, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Ndah, Makaringe, Eva Nga
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