Pirates made two alterations from their midweek clash against Golden Arrows, as Zakhele Lepasa started ahead of Kwame Peprah whilst Ntsako Makhubela replaced Fortune Makaringe.
As the Sea Robbers looked for a fast start, Ittihad went ahead on 14 minutes after Sanad Al Quarfali got the breakthrough with a telling free-kick outside the area.
However, the Soweto giants levelled it up just after the midway stage when Bandile Shandu charged towards the area and fired into the bottom corner.
Ittihad restored their tally minutes apart as Muad Elsay noted a cutback on the edge of the area and curled beyond the reach of goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The Buccaneers grabbed the equaliser on the stroke of halftime after Shandu popped up freely in the area to tap in from close-range to complete his brace.
Pirates were slow out of the starting blocks in the second half and trailed again on 54 minutes after a remarkable half-volley from range by Omar Al Khouja gave Mpontshane no chance.
With the advantage, Ittihad applied a stubborn defensive shape and began to frustrate the Buccaneers in their quest for the equaliser whilst Gabadinho Mhango replaced Lepasa.
Pirates were caught wanting on a few occasions following the midway stage, as Ittihad nearly profited a fourth from the counterattack but Mpontshane was on high alert.
The Buccaneers didn't lose hope despite trailing inside the final 15 minutes and came close to levelling matters through an attempt from a tight angle by Mhango, but he's effort was saved.
Pirates still launched attacks upon attacks following the closing exchanges, but the Libyans closed shop and claimed victory.
Pirates: Mpontshane, Jele, Ndah, Shandu, Mako, Motshwari, Mosele, Loch, Makaringe, Hotto, Lepasa
Subs: Sandilands, Makhubela, Maela, Peprah, Dlamini, Jooste, Monare, Mhango, Nyauza.