Bucs lose to impenetrable Etoile's defence

Needing an away goal after drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Soweto last week, the Buccaneers were unable to find the back of the net against Etoile’s impenetrable defence, though they can take pride from a performance in which they were arguably the better team through the 90 minutes.

Etoile settled the quicker of the two teams, although Pirates created the first clear chance, with Thamsanqa Gabuza sending Thabo Rakhale through on goal on the right of the penalty area, but the winger scuffed his shot wide of the far post in the 18th minute.

Shortly thereafter the home side suffered a major blow when they were forced to substitute leading goal scorer Baghdad Bounedjah due to injury, with the Algerian suffering under a heavy challenge from Ayanda Gcaba.

Nonetheless, Etoile shrugged off that setback and claimed the lead midway through the first half. A left-flank cross was deflected toward his own goal by Happy Jele and goalkeeper Felipe Ovono was unable to handle the ball cleanly, allowing Ammar Jemal to poke the ball home from close range.

The hosts moved up a gear after taking the lead, playing with confidence and intelligence to force the Buccaneers onto the back foot, but they were unable to add to their advantage, leaving the score 1-0 in their favour at the break.

Pirates, playing with a strong wind at their backs, were the better team in the second half, with Etoile prepared to sit back and look to soak up whatever the visitors threw at them. It was a risky strategy from the hosts, but their excellent defence held up and frustrated the South African side.

Bucs’ only real threat at goal arrived late in the game when substitute Menzi Masuku sent a shot at goal direct from a free-kick, but veteran goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi made an excellent save to keep his side in the ascendancy. - ANA

(File photo: Gallo Images)