Ouaddou's Insights on the Turning Point of the Match
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed that the red card issued to Tshepang Moremi just before halftime had a significant impact on their strategy during the CAF Champions League second preliminary round match against St Eloi Lupopo.
The Buccaneers managed to level the aggregate score at 3-3, winning the second leg 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday after having previously lost the first leg 3-0 away.
However, the match ultimately ended in a penalty shootout victory for Lupopo, following missed spot-kicks by Pirates’ Yanela Mbuthuma and Deon Hotto.
What began as an exciting matchup was dramatically shifted by Moremi’s red card, issued after Dieumerci Mukoko Amale provoked Masindi Nemtajela into a reaction.
Mukoko had seized the ball from Nemtajela, who was attempting to restart play quickly right after scoring, and he seemed to taunt Nemtajela.
Moremi fell into the trap and pushed Mukoko, who theatrically fell, resulting in Moremi’s expulsion. In his post-match remarks, Ouaddou acknowledged the effects of that key moment on their game plan.
“The red card changed our game plan, and with my staff, we had to quickly adapt, and we adapted well because we were about to score goals after,” Ouaddou stated.
He refrained from criticizing the referees, focusing instead on his team's performance. “I think we still have a young team, and in some situations, we need to be calm and remain focused on our target. We must not fall into the traps set by the opponents, and I believe we still have much work to do regarding experience.”
Despite the disappointment, Ouaddou praised his squad's solidarity, particularly in response to Mbuthuma’s penalty miss.
Mbuthuma had netted a goal during the game but later squandered a penalty that contributed to the Buccaneers’ exit. “The first player I approached after the match was him,” the Moroccan coach remarked.
“I quickly went onto the pitch to encourage him, reminding him to be proud of his contributions, including that crucial goal. Without him, we might have lost before that. He is still young, and I reassured him that there are many competitions this season ahead, where he will be vital for us.”
Ouaddou noted the support Mbuthuma received from his teammates: “I also appreciated how all my players rallied around him to provide support. In moments like this, we need teammates and colleagues, not just in times of success. True team solidarity is visible when things are challenging, and that’s what we witnessed today.”
With their involvement in the CAF Champions League concluded, the Pirates will now redirect their efforts toward the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout, and the Nedbank Cup, set to commence in 2026.
The Buccaneers are scheduled to host Magesi in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
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