Jose Riveiro lauds Orlando Pirates' 'excellent performance' despite dropped points against Al Ahly and provides update on missing Patrick Maswanganyi as Spaniard rues lack of creativity

In matchday two played on Saturday afternoon, at Orlando Stadium, Pirates played to a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly.

Both sides have won one and drawn one, but the reigning champions are sitting in first place with Pirates in second.

The winless streak of the Red Devils in South Africa continues. Despite not securing a win, Pirates showcased resilience against one of Africa’s most successful clubs.

The match was a hard-fought encounter, but neither team was able to break the deadlock. Coach Jose Riveiro will look to build on this performance as they continue their continental campaign.

Speaking to the media after the game the Spanish mentor had praises for his side and felt they did well but could not convert their chances and he also provided an update on Patrick Maswanganyi's absence.

"I think it's an excellent performance by Orlando Pirates from the beginning until the end. I think it's a super good opponent, tough opponent, they have a lot of experience, they know how to minimize the way to suffer. Any other opponent today, without that performance, will struggle," said Riveiro after the game.

"I think that's the only part we missed today—to create a little bit more in the last third. Knowing that against these types of teams you're gonna have one or two opportunities, and you have to capitalize. But I'm so proud of the whole squad, everybody, the 20, and even the ones who couldn't make it to the 20 because they helped us a lot this week to prepare for this game. Yeah, I think it's one more point, and we keep going."

“Like I said many times I don’t feel I have the right to speak about somebody’s health, maybe about mine. But he was not available for selection to the 20," Riveiro said.

“I don’t think, we have any reason to – I don’t know how to say it without any headline – sorry but after this performance to sit here and talk about one player who didn’t play, it’s a little bit disappointing for me.

“I think we have to talk about the game that Saleng, Rele, Hotto, and everybody coming from the bench played because they did a fantastic job, it was an excellent match," he added.

“Speaking about anyone who was not the protagonist today, I think it’s not the right moment. But just to answer your question, he was not available for selection."

After being absent from the group stages of continental football, Pirates can applaud themselves for their gutsy performance against the most successful club in the continent.

The Bucs showed great defensive resilience, holding Al Ahly to a draw.

Although they didn’t secure all three points, it was a solid foundation for their continental campaign.

This result will give the team confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

As the group stages progress, Pirates will aim to maintain their form and challenge for top honors.

The focus now shifts to Ivory Coast for Pirates as they prepare to face Stade d'Abidjan in their next Caf Champions League clash.

After a goalless draw against Al Ahly, the Buccaneers will aim to secure all three points to strengthen their position in the group.

This match is a crucial opportunity to build momentum in their continental campaign.

Pirates will need a strong performance to stay on track for progression to the knockout stages.

Their ability to balance consistency and resilience will be key to their aspirations for success in the Champions League.