Ouaddou backs Pirates’ penalty takers after Lungu miss

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed Ghampani Lungu remains one of the club’s designated penalty takers after his spot-kick was saved in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Teboho Mokoena put Sundowns ahead in the 11th minute with a close-range finish, leaving Pirates trailing in the final.

The Buccaneers were handed an opportunity to equalise in the second half when Mokoena fouled Yanela Mbuthuma inside the penalty area. Despite being one of Orlando Pirates’ new signings, Lungu took responsibility for the penalty ahead of players including Oswin Appollis.

However, his effort was saved by Ronwen Williams, allowing Sundowns to maintain their advantage.

Ouaddou said Lungu had been selected in line with the club’s established penalty-taking order.

“He’s one of the designated takers,” the coach told SABC Sport.

“Of the players he was first in the takers and after we have Appollis, but it’s moments like that, it’s football. We have to respect.”

The Orlando Pirates manager acknowledged that the missed penalty had been a decisive moment in the contest and could have altered the outcome of the final.

“There is a disappointment not to take this fifth MTN8 final. The penalty was the most important moment that could have changed the game and unfortunately, we didn’t score it,” he said.