Orlando Pirates edged out by Al Ittihad in five-goal Spanish pre-season thriller

Orlando Pirates narrowly lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Ittihad in a lively pre-season friendly in Spain, despite twice battling back and scoring with virtually the final kick of the match.

The Betway Premiership side, who are using a Spanish training camp to prepare for the new South African season, had gone into the fixture buoyed by a 2-1 win over Cadiz and a 1-1 draw with Cordoba CF.

But the 14-time Saudi Pro League champions showed their pedigree early on and ultimately did just enough to claim victory.

Fast start from En-Nesyri

Al Ittihad struck first in the 14th minute when Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri found the net to give the Asian giants an early advantage.

Pirates, however, responded strongly. The Soweto club grew into the contest, pressing higher and asking more questions of the Saudi side’s defence.

Their pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha levelled matters with a powerful strike, capping a promising spell for the South Africans.

The Buccaneers thought they had turned the match on its head soon after, only to see a second goal disallowed for offside. The setback did not deter them, but Al Ittihad remained composed in possession, circulating the ball confidently and waiting for openings.

Diaby restores Saudi lead before the break

Just as Pirates looked to be heading into the interval on level terms, Al Ittihad’s persistence told.

In first-half stoppage time, Moussa Diaby broke Buccaneers hearts by restoring the lead for the Jeddah-based club, ensuring they went into half-time 2-1 ahead.

The second half began with Al Ittihad intent on extending their advantage. They continued to dictate the tempo, probing for a third goal to take the game beyond Pirates.

Chaine saves, but late goals decide contest

Around the hour mark, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a crucial save from long range to keep Pirates in the game, denying Ittihad what looked a certain goal and maintaining the deficit at 2-1.

However, a raft of second-half substitutions by Pirates with about 20 minutes remaining appeared to disrupt their rhythm. The tempo dropped, and Al Ittihad began to exert greater control in midfield.

With five minutes of normal time left, George Ilenikhena added a third for Al Ittihad, making it 3-1 and seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.

Pirates refused to fold, though, and continued to push forward. Their persistence was rewarded with the final action of the match when Yanela Mbuthuma struck to halve the deficit, completing a 3-2 scoreline that reflected the competitive nature of the contest.

Spanish tour continues

Despite the defeat, the performance offered further valuable minutes and testing opposition for Orlando Pirates as they fine-tune preparations for the upcoming domestic campaign.

The Soweto club will not have long to dwell on the result. They return to action on Wednesday when they face Spanish side Las Palmas in the next fixture of their pre-season tour.