Caf Champions League: Jose Riveiro insists 'Orlando Pirates was the better team during the two games' after advancing to semi-finals as MC Alger are 'difficult team to play against, long balls one after the other'

Orlando Pirates secured their spot in the last four after winning on aggregate, drawing 0-0 at home on Wednesday evening. The single goal scored by Mohau Nkota in the first leg was enough to seal the deal. They will face Pyramids of Egypt in the semi-finals. The game was marred by controversy after the final whistle. Both teams, including players and staff, clashed in frustration.

Speaking to the media, Jose Riveiro discussed how awkward MC Alger was as an opponent. However, he emphasized that in Champions League football, results matter more than beautiful football.

“Orlando Pirates was the better team, I think, during the two games. So, congratulations to the boys, to the club, to our fans. This is a fantastic moment for all of us, and we have to really enjoy the moment, and there’s nothing that can change the fact that we are in the semi-finals,” said Rivier told the media.

“It’s a difficult team to play against, long balls, one after the other. It doesn’t matter, you cannot press them, you cannot have possession in their half after pressing because they will kick the ball as soon as they see a little bit of opposition. They are good in the second actions, they are strong, and good size, so they have the capacity at least to take you there for two or more times after the long ball. But I don’t think that we suffered so much in those actions,” he added.

“I think the game of our back five, back three, was excellent, Mbata [Thalente], Makhaula [Makheleni], in the second balls, Rele [Mofokeng], the way that Deon [Hotto] and Deano [Van Rooyen] helped us to run away from the pressing in the first half, it was excellent.

“We played with a big heart, we played the way that you have to play these types of games. It’s not about making the game beautiful, it’s not going to be beautiful, it cannot be. You need two teams to try to play good football. If it’s only one, it’s not possible. So, you know it’s going to be a battle, it’s going to be a war, and yeah, it was like that, what we expected. We managed to resist, to be resilient, and to get the result that we wanted,” concluded the Spaniard.

South African football is on the rise at international level, with Bafana Bafana performing well. This has translated to success in continental club football. Three South African clubs are now in the semi-finals of two different Caf competitions.

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Al Ahly in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch will face Simba in the Confederation Cup. South African football continues to grow in both club and national arenas.

Orlando Pirates now turn their focus to the Nedbank Cup. They aim to defend their title in the competition. The semi-final clash against Marumo Gallants promises to be an exciting matchup.