Orlando Pirates Face Crucial Challenge: Goals Needed Against Lupopo

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasizes the need for goals in pivotal match.

Pirates will host the Congolese side St. Éloi Lupopo in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, facing a daunting 3-0 deficit from the first-leg match in Kinshasa.

The Buccaneers recently regained some confidence, securing a 1-0 victory against Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership at the same venue.

Despite the win, Ouaddou expressed concern over missed scoring opportunities, particularly from Evidence Makgopa and substitute Yanela Mbuthuma during the second half.

Makgopa narrowly missed the target with a curling shot that struck the post, highlighting the team's need for improvement in front of goal.

This victory brings Pirates to 18 points from eight matches, placing them three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with two games in hand. They are also two points behind second-placed Sekhukhune United, who have played one additional match.

Ouaddou strategically rotated his squad against Polokwane, aiming to keep key players fresh for the critical CAF Champions League encounter.

“It was a very important three points. I think the guys did well — it was not an easy game,” Ouaddou stated on SuperSport TV.
“Polokwane were strong, especially in the second half. They came to press us with a lot of ambition, maybe to equalise, but I have to congratulate my boys. They were strong, showing character and personality.
“But yes, we wanted to score more goals. We had the chances to put the game away, and that’s an area we must improve — especially this Saturday, we need to score goals.”

The Moroccan-born coach has also made an appeal to Pirates fans, encouraging them to fill Orlando Stadium and act as the team's “12th man.”

“Of course, we need them. In such a game, we need the supporters behind us,” he urged.
“I hope the stadium will be packed because we need them to push us. It will be an important game in the history of the club.
“We need to score four goals — it won’t be easy, but we’ll be prepared for it.”