Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates leaves the Stade d'Abidjan defence eating dust at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, this past weekend. BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro says they’ll fight tooth and nail to progress past the Caf Champions League group stage and qualify for the quarter-final early next year.
Pirates have had a decent run on the continent. They are top of the log in Group C with five points, thanks to a win and two draws. The Sea Robbers bagged their second successive draw against Stade D’Abidjan away from home on Saturday night.
Pirates had grabbed the lead just before the break from the penalty spot via Evidence Makgopa’s strike, but the hosts hit back with the equaliser courtesy of Ousmane Meite’s goal.
While the result was disappointing for the Buccaneers, almost as if they lost the game, they still remained on course to reach the next round of the competition. A top two position finish will see the Sea Robbers sail to the continental quarter-final for the first time since losing the final to Al Ahly in 2013.
With Pirates having held the Red Devils to a draw in the second game at home, they look stronger this season. Hence, Riveiro says they are heading in the right direction.
“The objective of every team that’s involved in the group stage is to progress to the next round and have the opportunity to play in the quarter-final,” Riveiro said.
“So, we try to take every game with the aim of trying to get the maximum points and understanding that we are in the Champions League, and it’s not always possible to win, especially away. We don’t know how many points it will take us to get to the quarter final. One year ago, eight points was enough, others needed 10 or 11, so that’s where we are.
“We must still play two games at home, and travel to Cairo and play Ahly there. So, there are still nine points to play for. So, it’s not about being happy or sad with our run.
“This is about points. The game is about points. So far, we have five points, and we are leading the group. So, we are in the right direction.”
Pirates Let Slip in CAFCL Stalemate
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Pirates arrived in Abidan, Ivory Coast, as favourites on Saturday night, and having failed to win the game, it might appear that they didn’t live up to that billing. Riveiro begs to differ.
“No, not really. They are a difficult team to play against, especially here at home. Nothing is simple,” Riveiro explained.
“They have a lot of ways to do things especially when they are pressing, and even the way that they need to build up. They have strong players, especially with talent and speed.
“I think in the beginning of the game we managed to put them in a different position, playing close to their box where they are feeling stronger. But we didn’t capitalise. We went into the break leading by only 1-0. And I think they were better than us in the beginning of the second half.”
Pirates’ quarter-final berth could be decided before their last game away to Al Ahly should they beat D’Abidjan and CR Belouizdad of Algeria in their next two games at home. Riveiro is not reading too much into their home advantage, though, saying they’ll take each game as it comes as they do not want to falter before the trip to Cairo.
“Wishes are for birthdays. We take every game as it comes. The next one is at home against D’Abidjan, and then we’ll host CR Belouizdad,” Riveiro explained.
“So, let’s see how the situation will be at that time. It’s not about what I wish, but making sure that the team deserves to be in the next round.”