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Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Abdeslam Ouaddou insists 'the best team did not go through to the next stage' after Orlando Pirates exited CAF Champions League despite spirited display against Saint-Eloi Lupopo

The Sea Robbers were already under pressure after losing the first leg of the second preliminary round, leaving their continental hopes hanging in a thread. However, they can take heart from how they fought at home but fell short of what they needed to progress.

  • Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Ouaddou consoles himself

    Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stated that the best team did not go to the CAF Champions League group stage after the Premier Soccer League giants were eliminated by Saint-Eloi Lupopo. 

    The Buccaneers showed determination by fighting back to restore parity; they managed a 3-0 scoreline to cancel Lupopo's advantage gained in the first leg, but crashed out because of the post-match penalties.

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  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    Tough target

    “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 in his post-match press conference.

    “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, and 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."

  • Sipho Mbule and Christopher Sumbu, Orlando Pirates vs LupopoBackpage

    'Best team lost'

    The former Marumo Gallants tactician commended his players for what he described as a good job done.

    “But the best team did not go through to the next stage of the CAF Champions League," he added.

    “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 team didn’t win it today." 

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  • Tshepang Moremi, Orlando Pirates, Michael Kamputu, Saint-Eloi Lupopo, October 2025Backpage

    Great effort but not enough

    In a bid to save their Champions League dream, Bucs really fought hard, but their effort was not enough.

    After losing in the first leg under difficult circumstances, they needed to overturn the scoreline at Orlando Stadium; they did, but it was not enough, as they lost in the shootouts.

    This is a big blow to Pirates, who reached the semi-finals last season. It also means that Ouaddou has fallen short in matching one of Jose Riveiro's records.    

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