Ouaddou: “Nothing Is Lost” After Pirates Fall To Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou insists the Betway Premiership title race is far from over despite his side’s 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Colombian forward Brayan Leon proved decisive, scoring twice in the first half to hand Sundowns control of the blockbuster encounter. Patrick Maswanganyi pulled one back early in the second half, but the visitors held firm to secure a crucial victory.

The result sees Sundowns move to 35 points from 16 matches, cutting Pirates’ lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table to three points, although the Buccaneers have played one game more.

Ouaddou Reflects on “Game of Two Halves”

“I think it was a game of two halves,” said Ouaddou.

“In the first half, we wanted to be compact and play in transition, and it worked because we recovered a lot of balls.

“We created the clearer chances, but unfortunately we were not efficient. On the other hand, Sundowns had fewer opportunities and were more clinical than us. It is very difficult to go into halftime 2-0 down.

“I think the boys did very well in the second half. We managed to score early and we kept pushing, but we could not find the second goal.”

Ouaddou acknowledged Sundowns’ strong first-half display but felt Pirates responded positively after the break.

“Every team had its half. Sundowns had the first half, and I believe Pirates had the second half, but without getting that equaliser.

“We are disappointed, but we still have games to play. Nothing is lost, and we have to fight until the end.”

Title Race Remains Wide Open

Sundowns celebrated passionately at the final whistle, fully aware of the significance of the win in the championship race, while Pirates players were left dejected on the turf.

The defeat ends Pirates’ 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions. However, with the gap now just three points, the Betway Premiership title race remains finely balanced heading into the final stretch of the season.