Crisis-torn Bucs out of Champs League

Orlando Pirates (0) 1 Green Eagles (0) 1 GOALS: Pirates — Happy Jele (60m) Eagles — Amit Shamende (61m) Green Eagles won 2-1 on aggregate

● Orlando Pirates were bundled out of the African Champions League in an embarrassing first-round setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambian rookies Green Eagles to go out 2-1 on aggregate.

It emphasises a club in crisis. Happy Jele finally scored on the hour to level the aggregate scoreline but Pirates conceded within 60 seconds, Amit Shamende’s goal giving the Zambians the cushion of an away goal.

It left Pirates with 30 minutes to score twice but despite an all-out onslaught on the visiting goal they were unable to do so, hitting the woodwork twice and going close on countless occasions.

Too hurried in front of goal

Pirates had looked nippy and full of energy and were first to the ball consistently but again too hurried in front of goal and paid a heavy price for poor finishing.

Gabadinho Mhango’s 13th-minute effort was the first test for Eagles’ international goalkeeper Sebastien Mwange, who spilled it but recovered in time as Vincent Pule followed up, looking to net the rebound.

The Zambians did apply a high press at times to slow down Pirates’ build-ups and constantly looked for counterattack chances with several “route one” balls up to their strikers but it was fullback Samson Manyepa who was the only one to force Pirates keeper Wayne Sandilands to make a first-half save, with a long-range effort in the 32nd minute.

In the second half Innocent Maela had the goal at his mercy in between defenders but completely missed his chance at the end of Lorch’s inviting cross.

A double change then saw Pirates throw Augustine Mulenga in against his compatriots, along with Kabelo Dlamini, who could have scored within a minute of coming on but thumped the ball against the post.

Mwange made three brilliant stops to deny Lorch, who manfully tried to get Pirates those much-needed goals.