Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that Orlando Pirates’ loss was “a very disappointing result” and called it “the magic of the cup” at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Ntokozo Mtshweni converted the decisive sudden-death penalty to send the Motsepe Foundation Championship side into the last eight, knocking the Buccaneers out after 120 goalless minutes.
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The Sea Robbers controlled long spells of possession in normal time and pushed Casric deep into their own half. The best opportunity arrived in the 89th minute when Tshepang Moremi struck the crossbar.
Casric goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni produced key saves under pressure, while his defence stood firm to force extra time. The additional 30 minutes followed a similar pattern, with Pirates pressing and Casric frustrating, ultimately sending the contest to penalties.
Nkosinathi Sibisi failed to hit the target with Pirates’ opening spot-kick, and Mpho Chabatsane also missed, while Casric’s Mfundo Thikazi and Manqoba Ozoemena were off target.
In sudden death, Yanela Mbutuma scored before Siphosethu Meveni responded. Nkosikhona Ndaba’s miss then handed Mtshweni the chance to seal the upset, and he made no mistake.
After the match, Pirates coach Ouaddou admitted his disappointment.
“It’s a very disappointing result just after the result of Sundowns,” the Moroccan told SuperSport TV. “I think…you know in football especially in the cups any team can challenge you for one minute in terms of the team spirit.
“I think congratulations to Casric Stars, they did the game they want, they waited, they gave us the length of the ball, we find some opportunities, unfortunately, we didn’t score and after you give motivation to these kinds of teams,” Ouaddou added.
“In the second half again, we created some chances but didn’t score so it’s the magic of the cup, for us we’ll analyse and have to bounce back quickly because it will be very important but congratulations to the players, coach of Casric Stars and the club.”
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