The Buccaneers controlled large spells but could not break a compact home defence. Boitumelo Radiopane forced a save from Jean Ramdiane in the 15th minute. Deon Hotto went direct from a free-kick early in the second half and was denied again. Oswin Appollis needed treatment after a collision but continued.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou handed a debut to young defender Christian Derbyshire and made several changes from the side that beat Kruger United 4-0 in midweek. Yanela Mbuthuma was introduced after the hour. The final ball never arrived. La Cure Waves sat deep, stayed organised and took a famous point against one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday at Orlando Stadium. A Pirates win of any kind would send them through. A goalless draw would mean extra time or penalties. An away goal for La Cure Waves would put the Buccaneers under genuine pressure.
The winner of the tie is due to meet either Gabon’s Manga Sport or Namibia’s African Stars. Manga Sport won their first leg 3-1.
Pirates remain favourites at home. Sunday in Mauritius was a reminder that continental qualifying is rarely a procession. La Cure Waves have a clean sheet and a week to prepare for Soweto. Pirates have possession statistics and no goal. The argument moves to Orlando.