Abdeslam Ouaddou Unimpressed Despite Orlando Pirates’ 3–0 CAFCL Triumph
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has reacted to Orlando Pirates' win over Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round
- The Moroccan tactician also outlined some of the things he liked about his team's performance in the match
- The former Marumo Gallants coach's thoughts on the Pirates' performance sparked different reactions from fans on social media
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted he wasn’t fully satisfied with their 3-0 victory over Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, but highlighted the team’s much-improved performance in the second half.
Source: Instagram
South African international Tshegofatso Mabasa struck twice, while summer signing Oswin Appollis sealed the result with a brilliant finish set up by substitute Tshepang Moremi.
This is not the first time the Moroccan tactician has voiced his displeasure about his team's performance despite winning a tie.
The former Marumo Gallants coach was also disappointed after Pirates' win over Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership, before going on to beat the same team in the MTN8 final.
Ouaddou unhappy despite Pirates' win
Ouaddou, speaking after the 3-0 win, stressed that qualification was far from settled, explained why he was not fully happy with the performance, and detailed what happened to his team in the first half.
“I don’t believe the tie is over until the second leg is played. We stuck to our strategy, and the players did well, but this is only halfway. I can’t say I’m completely satisfied because we could have taken more of our chances.”
“In the first half, we couldn’t really get in behind their defence due to how well they set up. Credit to them for that. But in the second half, once we introduced more pace on the wings, we managed to stretch them and create more space,” he continued.
Orlando Pirates reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, but failed to make it to the final after losing to eventual winners Pyramids FC.
Source: Instagram
Ouaddou is gunning for the title this season, but they need to finish the job against Lioli. The Sea Robbers will stay in Bloemfontein for a Betway Premiership clash against struggling Siwelele FC at the same venue on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, where a win could propel them into the top four on the log, depending on other outcomes.
Charles Nxumalo said:
"I'm absolutely 💯 affirm with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou s decision!! Pirates were little bit sharky and unconquered in the middle, especially during the first half!! They failed to show direct of their play but on the second half they showed hunger and thirsty of Goals!! They allowed the Lesotho club to dominate them by giving a free role !! Abdeslam Ouaddou is a tactical Mentor who's good at studying the opponents strategy, thatswwhy pirate's bounced back to overturned the results!! Yes pirate's should have scored more than 5⃣ to 6⃣ goals but it wasn't the way !!"
Jabu Rataba wrote:
"One thing i like about him is that he makes changes on time. Doesn't wait for last minute to make changes unlike the previous coach."
Qonda Akhona shared:
"Lindo ukhe wathi "reactive" this Abdeslam guy is a G.aka kremi, he can read the game,90% of the time his subs are accurate, he knows the strength of his players, he plans very well, the guy is on point nje"
House Plans commented:
"They were too casual should have won by 6-0 at least they are still in the mtn8 honey moon phase. But much better second half."
Sivuyile Svidge Dada added:
"He is right... Sipho Mbule and Mbatha are too comfortable."
Pirates shade Nabi over Chiefs exit
Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates mocked Kaizer Chiefs and Nasreddine Nabi over their ongoing coaching issue.
The Sea Robbers took their rivalry with the Glamour Boys to another level with their recent post.
Source: Briefly News
