Orlando Pirates advanced to the Caf Confederation Cup final despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al Ahli Tripoli in the second leg of their semi-final on Sunday night.

The game got off to a bright start with both sides having early chances at goal in the opening exchanges of the match.

The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute after Happy Jele was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area but after consultation with VAR, the penalty decision was overturned.

Richard Ofori was called into action in the 23rd minute when he made a great save to deny Ahli Tripoli a scoring opportunity.

Pirates were forced into making an early substitute in the 35 minutes as Siphesihle Ndlovu was brought in, with Abel Mabaso making way.

Both sides pressed forward in the closing stages of the first half but neither side could find the opening goal as the game went into the break locked at goalless.

Pirates got the second half off to a good start and Peprah nearly handed them the lead but he blazed his effort against the side netting.

The home side opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs in the 68th minute as Terrence Dzvukamanja came on in place of Kwame Peprah before bringing on Fortune Makaringe and Vincent Pule in place of Lorch and Hotto 10 minutes later.

Ofori was once again called into action in the 82nd minute when he made a comfortable save to deny the visitor’s tame header at goal.

The Buccaneers had a chance to win the game with three minutes left to play in the game but Shandu hit the side netting with his strike.

The visitors managed to score a consolation goal two minutes later through Ayoub Ayed but Pirates held on to advance to the final after defeating Al Ahli Tripoli on aggregate.