Orlando Pirates we’re forced to endure a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Al-Ittihad Tripoli in their Caf Confederation Cup group stage game at the Martyrs of February Stadium on Sunday evening.

Both sides got off to a great start as they tried to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.

Al-Ittihad Tripoli drew first blood and took the lead in the 17th minute when Motasem Sabbou found the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Pirates managed to grab the equaliser in the 26th minute when Bandile Shandu’s powerful strike beat the Al-Ittihad Tripoli to find the net.

Al-Ittihad Tripoli restored their lead a minute later through Maud Eisay, who made it 2-1.

The Buccaneers pushed forward in the closing stages of the game and managed to leave matter for the second time in the game through Shandu, who found the net from close range after a scramble inside the box as the game went into the half time break at level terms.

Al-Ittihad Tripoli then restored their lead early in the second half through Omar Al Khouja, who made it 3-2.

The Buccaneers opted to make their first substitution just after the hour mark as Gabadinho Mhango was introduced in place of Zakhele Lepasa.

Mhango had a chance to level matters in the 75th minute when he created space for his let down the left flank before unleashing a shot from a tight angle but saw his effort saved by the Al-Ittihad Tripoli keeper.

Mpontshane came to his sides rescue five minutes later when he did well to keep out Al-Ittihad threatening free-kick from distance.

Pirates pushed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the game but failed to find the back of the net as the game ended 3-2 in favour of Al-Ittihad.