Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left unimpressed with his team’s finishing and late-game showboating despite their 2-1 victory over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers booked their place in the semifinals thanks to goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa, while Lehlogonolo Mokone netted a consolation for Magesi. Despite the win, Ouaddou felt his side should have sealed the contest much earlier.
“We should have killed that game at half-time. We should have led by three or four goals,” said Ouaddou. “It’s an area we need to improve quickly if we want to be ambitious. Other than that, I want to congratulate the boys it was not an easy game.”
Pirates dominated possession and created numerous chances in the first half but were denied repeatedly by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who was named Man of the Match.
The Moroccan tactician also expressed displeasure with his players’ attitude in the closing stages, criticising the unnecessary showboating instead of pressing for another goal.
“I was not very happy with the last 15 minutes. Instead of going forward to score the third goal, we made short passes. I know the fans and players like that, but I don’t. We need to be more clinical and score more goals it’s important for confidence,” he said.
The victory secured Pirates a semifinal spot in the Carling Knockout, but Ouaddou’s message was clear, efficiency and discipline remain top priorities.
The Buccaneers will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership, where they face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
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