Despite ending the match empty-handed, Orlando Pirates registered seven goal attempts, five on target, along with three corners and 42% possession.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU ON LOSING TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Buccaneers found themselves 2-0 down at half-time after Brayan Leon’s clinical brace, but Ouaddou insisted his tactical approach had worked against the CAF Champions League quarterfinalists.
“I think it was two halves, one for Sundowns and the second it was us,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
“We wanted to be compact and to play in the transitions. I think it worked because we recovered a lot of balls and created the most effective chances. Unfortunately, we were not efficient in the first half,” he said.
“Mamelodi Sundowns had a few chances, and they were more efficient than us. It’s very hard to go into half-time 2-0 down,” the 47-year-old Moroccan added.
Orlando Pirates responded immediately after the breakthrough Patrick Maswanganyi, and pushed aggressively for an equaliser. The coach pointed to his side’s high pressing in the second half as a key improvement.
“We managed to score early, and we pushed, but we didn’t manage to score the second goal,” Ouaddou added.
“We pressed further and pushed them high. It’s something the players know because we’ve been doing it since the beginning of the season.
“We are a bit disappointed, but nothing is lost. We still have games, and we have to fight until the end,” he concluded.
WHAT’S COMING NEXT?
Coming up for Orlando Pirates is Nedbank Cup last 16 actoin at home to Motsepe Foundation Championship highflyers Casric Stars. The mmatch is set for the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday at 18:00.
The Ke Yona showdown will be followed by one of the biggest game on the continent. The Sea Robbers will visit Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium for the Soweto derby next Saturday 28 February.
CAN ORLANDO PIRATES STILL WIN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON?
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