Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted that he was saddened by the Soweto giants’ elimination from the CAF Champions League and he made a claim about his side.
The Moroccan tactician masterminded the Buccaneers’ 3-0 win over DR Congolese side FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in the second preliminary round second-leg match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday and the two teams drew 3-3 on aggregate.
Lupopo went on to win the tie 5-4 on penalties and advanced to the group stage, but Ouaddou insisted that the ‘best team did not go through to the next stage’ of Africa’s premier club football tournament.
“We had an important game with a tough target of coming back with three goals, so our strategy was with a false nine to move the three defenders who sit and create space for the others,” Ouaddou said.
“We created chances in the first half, and the plan was to bring in a striker in the second half – we played the game we wanted, that we planned, unfortunately, it was not enough, we can’t blame the players.
“To come back with that environment we had in Congo, but I’m very sad for them and the club as well, the best team today did not go to the stage of the Champions League, but it’s the reality of football, we congratulate the opponent, they used their weapons,” he continued.
“It wasn’t enough because we had these penalties at the end, it’s part of the game. I think the guys did the job; it was not easy to come back and to score three goals, we did it. I have nothing to say to the guys; they were brave.
“Fantastic behaviour during the 90 minutes, it’s sad for them, the effort they gave, everybody is sad for them because I think we deserved in terms of football what we showed…the football didn’t win it today.”
Pirates will now focus on the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup, which is scheduled to start early next year.
