Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Ghampani Lungu stepped up to take a penalty during the Buccaneers’ 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday.
The Zambian international had an opportunity to bring Pirates back into the game after Teboho Mokoena conceded a penalty. However, Lungu’s effort was saved by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
At the time, Downs were leading 1-0 and had he scored, the goal would have changed the match.
Lungu’s decision to take the spot-kick raised questions among Pirates fans, with many believing Oswin Appollis should have stepped up instead, having regularly taken penalties last season.
After the match, Ouaddou clarified that Lungu was among the club’s designated penalty takers and was first in the pecking order for the opportunity.
Lungu’s penalty miss cost Pirates MTN8
“He [Lungu] is one of the designated takers. Of the players, he was first among the takers. After him, we have Appollis, we have…” Ouaddou said.
Despite the disappointment of losing the final, the Pirates coach acknowledged Sundowns’ victory and insisted his side would continue working hard.
“It’s moments like that, it’s football. We have to respect.
“Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. Of course, we are disappointed, but in football, you have to be fair play.
“For us, we have to continue to work, and people are going to see a fantastic season because we are not going to give up.
“And we are going to try to keep our title,” he added.
Many Bucs fans feel Lungu should allowed Appollis to take the penalty given his experience. Appollis has scored crucial spotkicks for both club and country in the past.
