Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou emphasizes the need for clinical finishing from his team after they managed a narrow 2-1 win over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium.
Despite controlling much of the match, the Pirates were held back by the impressive performance of goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and the woodwork. They eventually secured their semi-final spot thanks to outstanding goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa in the second half.
Pirates joined Richards Bay and Golden Arrows as the teams that have advanced to the last four, with the final quarter-final match featuring Marumo Gallants against defending champions Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday.
This victory served as redemption for the Buccaneers, who had just faced a disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League against St Eloi Lupopo under similar circumstances just three days prior.
“I think it’s a game that, at half-time, we should have been leading by three or four goals,” Ouaddou commented in an interview with SuperSport after the match.
“I’m being nice by saying that. Unfortunately, ruthlessness is something we have to improve quickly if we want to be ambitious.”
He also praised his players for their efforts, acknowledging the fierce competition they faced from Magesi FC. “We played some good football as well, and I think our fans were happy about that. But if we want to be more ambitious, I must say I wasn’t very happy with the last 15 minutes,” he added.
According to Ouaddou, the team’s approach in the closing moments, focusing on short passes rather than pushing forward for a third goal, was not ideal. “We need to score more goals and be clinical. Scoring goals is very important for confidence.”
Looking for motivation, Pirates debuted a new limited-edition third kit during this match, which offered a fresh start against a team that had previously eliminated them in the same competition last season.
Magesi FC had stunned the Pirates in the 2024/25 season by winning the Carling Knockout final 3-2. However, this time, Orlando Pirates are focused on their ambition to clinch a League Cup victory for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!