Pirates slip to Neom defeat in final Spain warm-up

Orlando Pirates ended their pre-season tour of Spain on a losing note as they went down 1-0 to FC Neom at the Marbella Football Center on Friday.

The Soweto side, who had beaten Las Palmas two days earlier, were aiming to close out their preparations with another positive result before the new campaign, but a first-half strike from Said Benrahma proved decisive against the Saudi Pro League club.

Pirates were slow out of the blocks and almost fell behind inside five minutes after a defensive mix-up gifted Neom their first clear opening. Benrahma seized on the uncertainty to slide the ball to Munahad Al-Said, who found space in the box but failed to keep his effort on target.

The Buccaneers responded with a chance of their own soon afterwards. Kamogelo Sebelebele switched play from the right flank with a diagonal pass that picked out Tshepang Moremi in behind the Neom defence, only for Moremi to lift his finish over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Benrahma breaks the deadlock

Neom made their pressure count right on the stroke of half-time. A foul wide on the far side handed the Saudi side a set-piece in a dangerous position, and Benrahma stepped up to drive a low, powerful free-kick into the bottom corner, leaving the Pirates goalkeeper with no chance.

Trailing at the interval, Pirates returned for the second half with one change, as Nkosikhona Ndaba was introduced in place of Deon Hotto in an attempt to freshen up their approach.

The adjustment almost paid off 10 minutes after the restart. Sebelebele surged forward on a driving run before cutting the ball back into the penalty area, where Boitumelo Radiopane reacted quickest as Neom struggled to clear. However, the striker could not keep his shot down and his effort flew over the crossbar.

Late pressure but no breakthrough

Pirates continued to push for an equaliser as the half wore on, enjoying more territory and forcing Neom deeper into their own half.

Their best opportunity from a dead-ball situation came when Thalente Mbatha stood over a free-kick on the far side of the area. His attempt, however, drifted wide of the target, to the relief of the Neom defence.

As the clock ticked into the closing stages, the Buccaneers committed more players forward in search of a late leveller, but Neom held firm under mounting pressure and saw out the contest without conceding.

The defeat brings Pirates’ overseas pre-season programme to a close, leaving them to return home and fine-tune preparations ahead of their season-opener.