Orlando Pirates claim advantage after African Stars win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his team are in a strong position to reach the CAF Champions League group stages after a 1-0 victory away to African Stars.

The Buccaneers secured the advantage in the first leg of their second preliminary round qualifier on Saturday, producing a disciplined defensive display against the Namibian champions in Botswana.

Pirates also achieved their immediate objective of scoring an away goal, while keeping African Stars from finding the net. Ouaddou praised his players for adapting to the conditions and following the plan prepared by the club’s analysis department.

“My boys did well, we started how we wanted, no surprises about the opponent, we had good information from my analysis department, well done to them, the first half we adapted well to the conditions, the heat, the pitch as well,” he said.

The Moroccan coach believed Pirates had opportunities to make the scoreline more decisive during the opening stages, but was satisfied with the resilience shown by his defensive unit.

“We definitely could have scored two goals early – but I have to give credit to the team block, defensively we were strong again, another clean sheet,” he added.

“We went without conceding a goal, which was the target, make tactical adjustments to get the away goal.”

The result means Pirates will take a lead into the second leg at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, with Ouaddou suggesting the club are now close to reaching the group phase.

“We did it, the boys showed ambition to score this away goal, we could have scored more goals, but let’s be happy, I think we succeeded the first half, we still have the second half in South Africa – I can say we have one foot in the group stage,” he continued.

Despite that confidence, Ouaddou stressed that qualification has not yet been secured and that the return fixture remains decisive.

Pirates are aiming to reach the group stages after being knocked out at the same preliminary stage last season by DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo.

The coach said the squad’s immediate priority would be recovery before preparations begin for the second leg, which he described as a key objective for everyone at the club.

“We have an important second half, we have to prepare for this in order to get into the group stage, it’s important target for the club, the technical team, the players, we will make sure we rest and start this game, to win it.”