Sea Robbers avoid a thumping thanks to Sandilands’ heroics as Esperance cruise to summit of Group B in Tunisia

Esperance (1) 2 Badri 16 Jouini 89 Pirates 0

IT COULD have been worse. But thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping by Wayne Sandilands, the Buccaneers’ first defeat in 28 matches in all competitions was by just two goals.

Their two defeats in that period had been via shootout from the penalty spot. In the empty Stade El Menza in Tunis, Pirates’ inability to defend set pieces should have seen them lose this Caf Champions League Group B match by a handful of goals.

Esperance ascend to the summit of the group via a single strike. That goal came via a free kick. With the Pirates wall anticipating the ball to be shot above them into the box, Esperance instead cut it low towards the danger area. Arcine Badri was allowed to peel off the wall and get to the ball unmarked to score.

It was the same story in the second half with Esperance dominant in attack and Sandilands coming to Pirates’ rescue. On 53 minutes the Bucs number one pulled off two quick saves to deny Mohamad Ali Yakoubi from scoring with headers off corner kicks.

Another set piece on 68 minutes allowed Fousseny Coulibaly a free header. But again Sandilands flung himself to the side and pushed the ball away from the target. With the match literally over, Sandilands committed a rare error by leaving his line to try and fend off Badri. But the striker crossed for Hathem Jouini to slot home into the empty net and send the Buccaneers suffering a rare defeat in open play. Asec Mimosas 0

Mamelodi Sundowns 0