Orlando Pirates Boss Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains How He Selected Penalty Takers Against Lupopo
- Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come out to explain how he selects his penalty-takers after the Bucs' defeat against Saint Eloi Lupopo
- The Moroccan coach was unable to guide the Sea Robbers to the group stage of the CAF Champions League this season
- The Premier Soccer League giants lost to Lupopo on penalties after the aggregate scores were pegged at 3-3
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on how he and his technical crew decided who would take penalties in their CAF Champions League second-round preliminary second leg against St Eloi Lupopo.
Source: Instagram
The Buccaneers entered the clash at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, trailing 3-0 from the first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but produced a spirited performance to win 3-0 in regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Unfortunately,
Pirates were eliminated after Deon Hotto and Yanela Mbuthuma missed their spot kicks, while striker Tshegofatso Mabasa remained on the bench, with Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha not making the matchday squad.
Ouaddou on how he selected penalty-takers
Ouaddou stated that his team had been preparing for the possibility of a penalty shootout throughout the week. The former Marumo Gallants mentor admitted that in hindsight, he should have introduced Tshegofatso Mabasa specifically for the spot kicks, but chose to stick with his original tactical plan.
He explained that his team had practised penalties during the week, anticipating the possibility of a shootout if they managed to score three goals. A list of players who had been successful from the spot in recent weeks was drawn up in advance.
Source: Instagram
Reflecting on the outcome, Ouaddou admitted they could have been more strategic by bringing Mabasa on before the end of the game, as he is a very good penalty taker. However, the team ultimately stuck with the predetermined list of kickers.
Social media users also aired their thoughts on Ouaddou's submission about how he selected his penalty takers against Lupopo.
Afikile Khonjwayo wrote:
"He chose to go for ball players two No 6s instead of strikers and there was nothing wrong with that coz that was plan A but when you see that you managed to get two goals but you cant enter the 18m area he should have brought a box striker who will wait for those rebounds in the box."
Rich Baloyi said:
"Pirates eliminated themselves if u check the opponents. How do u play a game wer u need goals but you don't put any strikers 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂"
Thembani Gxabalashe reacted:
"How cn u play with false 9 while Mabasa is on the bench."
Bongani Mgubela shared:
"There was no guarantee that he was gonna score. When it comes penalties, there are no specialists. Even Hotto, who usually doesn't miss, missed yesterday."
Cijimbi Mohale added:
"Don't worry about it, Coach. It was a day of the team 's defeat, the boys fought like soldiers indeed."
Ouaddou explains Mbatha, Makgopa absence
Briefly News earlier reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why Thalente Mbatha and Makgopa didn't make his matchay squad for the game against Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.
The Moroccan coach started the match without a recognised striker, and the tactics paid off as the Bucs pulled a comeback, but lost the round on penalty shootouts.
Source: Briefly News
