Ouaddou: We showed our strength in the second half

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025. 15:00

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed his team’s focus as they dug deep to beat Chippa United 2-0 on Tuesday to go level with Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Buccaneers came into the clash at the Orlando Stadium unbeaten in their previous eight outings and they looked to keep the momentum going to put pressure on the Brazilians.

Ouaddou’s side dominated proceedings, but they struggled to breach the Chilli Boys’ defence in the first half despite creating a whole host of chances.

The Sea Robbers eventually made the breakthrough on 75 minutes when Evidence Makgopa converted Deon Hotto’s square pass from close range and Oswin Appollis sealed the win in stoppage time.

Ouaddou admitted that Chippa made life difficult for Pirates before the break, although he managed to get the best out of his players after making a few tactical adjustments and introducing Makgopa, Appollis and Makhehlene Makhaula off the bench on the hour mark.

“Of course, I’m happy when you see the physiognomy of the match. It was not easy. I think we played against a very good Chippa team,” the Moroccan told SuperSport.

“They’re well organised tactically. They put us in trouble in first half and we couldn’t find the space we wanted to. We went into half-time to make some tactical changes to improve a little bit in the second half.

“I think the guys did well, I have to congratulate them, you know. To play against a team who are looking for points is never easy even when they are last on the log.

“But again, my players impressed, focus it’s what I like in the game and we were focused for 90 minutes. We didn’t concede goals, we came back with the strength, it’s very important for me not to concede goals.”