Orlando Pirates’ pre-season tour ends with DEFEAT in Spain
Orlando Pirates concluded their pre-season tour to Spain with a defeat against Qatari champions Al-Sadd in Malaga, Spain on Friday.
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Orlando Pirates concluded their pre-season tour to Spain with a 3-2 defeat against Qatari champions Al-Sadd in Malaga, Spain on Friday.
It was the Soweto giants’ first loss on tour, following a 2-2 draw against Plymouth Argyle, a 2-0 win over Sevilla and a 1-1 stalemate against Grenada.
A frantic opening 10 minutes produced three goals, with the Buccaneers finding themselves trailing just moments after the opening whistle as Hashim Ali put his side ahead following a defensive error.
It could have quickly turned into an uphill climb for Jose Riveiro’s men when Rafa Mujica got on the end of another attack in the sixth minute, only to be denied by Melusi Buthelezi.
Parity was restored two minutes later, with Kabelo Dlamini linking up with Tshegofatso Mabasa who calmly chipped the ‘keeper to net his first of the tour.
The Bucs striker soon doubled his tally when he produced a composed finish inside the penalty area, this time set up by Karim Kimvuidi through some nifty footwork.
Could’ve extended their lead
With a goal advantage, Orlando Pirates controlled the game’s tempo for much of the middle part of the first period and could have extended their lead around the half-hour mark when the ball landed kindly for Deon Hotto whose shot from outside the box floated off target.
Miguel Timm also had an opportunity from a similar range, but his effort resulted in a comfortable grab for goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb.
Hopes of taking a lead into the break vanished just five minutes before the half-time whistle, as, after a period of sustained attack from Al-Sadd, Gonzalo Plata’s shot found a way through the Buccaneers’ congested penalty area into the net.
Looking to sneak back in front, Orlando Pirates enjoyed a significant spell inside opposition territory without managing to manufacture real opportunities at goal.
Al-Sadd had no such problems at the other end, as they took the lead in the 53rd minute through Plata who bagged his second of the day.
The Buccaneers continued to push for their third, with their opponents’ defence remaining resolute.
Their best chance of the second half came late in the contest when Gilberto found himself unmarked inside the box, but pushed his effort narrowly wide of the target.
There was no further change to the scoreboard as the final whistle sounded with the Buccaneers falling just short of an unbeaten run in Spain.
Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to the MTN8 quarter-finals where they will face SuperSport United.
The Buccaneers are the MTN8 defendng champions.
Orlando Pirates
Buthelezi (Zulu 62’), Sibisi (Ndah 62’), Sesane (Maela 62’) , Monyane (Lebitso 62’), Hotto (Madalane 62’), Timm (Baloni 62’), Rasebotja (Ndlondlo 46’), Dlamini (Maswanganyi 62’), Nkota (Moleleki 46’), Kimvuidi (Kapinga 62’), Mabasa (Gilberto 46’).