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Cape Town - SuperSport United played out to a disappointing 0-0 first-leg draw against Madagascar's ASSM Elgeco Plus in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina on Sunday.
Forwards, Thuso Phala and Thabo Mnyamane, had the best chances of the first-half for Stuart Baxter's side against the spirited Madagascan side in front of a capacity crowd in Antananarivo - but the duo lacked composure in the final third.
Despite selecting a strong starting XI, Baxter's charges struggled to find rhythm in their build-up play.
With a goalless scoreline going into the break, the home side grew in confidence and looked to take the game to Matsatsansa but against the run of play Clayton Daniels nearly broke the deadlock.
The veteran defender did well to rise above his marker to meet Keagan Ritchie's pin point set-piece but his header sailed wide.
Fagrie Lakay also had a great chance when he skinned two defenders, but his effort on goal struck the post - much to the dismay of the South Africa international striker.
Teboho Mokoena also had a chance to put the Tshwane-based side ahead but his effort was sent straight at the home side's goalkeeper.
With ASSM surviving the scare, they rallied forward in numbers and Baxter had Pule to thank after the game as the third-choice keeper pulled off a string of world-class saves to earn the stalemate going into the second leg fixture.
The Premiership title hopefuls will meet the Southern African side again at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, February 19.
