FC Platinum began their Caf Champions League group stage campaign with a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

The match was played in front of a packed Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

The hosts started well, retaining more possession but it was Pirates who got the first real chance of the game when Justin Shonga struck from a close range, only to be denied superbly by Petros Mhari.

Pure Platinum Play responded swiftly with a counter-attack which ended with Kelvin Madzongwe hitting a grounder, forcing the keeper at the other end into a save. Devon Chafa followed up with a volley attempt a few moments later and the goalie was again equal to the task.

FC Platinum continued to dominate the pace but had few green shirts in the box when they attacked from the wings. Pirates, however, could have broken the deadlock on the stroke of halftime. An unmarked Thembinkosi Lorch received the ball inside the box and struck with his first touch but Mhari delivered a big save to keep the home team in the game.

The visitors kicked off the second period on a high note but the excellent defending pair of William Stima and Gift Bello kept them at bay.

FC Platinum later gained momentum with Ali Sadiki and substitute Gift Mbweti coming close on goal during the course of the half.

The scoreline remained unchanged as the Group B opponents share the spoils.

The Zimbabwe Champions will now face Esperance in Tunisia in their next match scheduled for next week.