Ouaddou Calls Sundowns Draw The ‘First Half’

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has described his team’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final as just the “first half” of the tie.

The two football giants played out a captivating encounter at a sold-out Orlando Stadium, with a dramatic second half comeback from the home side.

The match was truly a game of two halves. Sundowns dominated the first, with Teboho Mokoena opening the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful, unmarked header from a corner.

However, the Buccaneers came out energized in the second half, putting their opponents under immense pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Kamogela Sebelebele found the equalizer.

Despite the draw, Ouaddou felt his side showed impressive character to bounce back. Speaking on SuperSport TV, he praised his players’ energy and determination.

“We tried, both teams, to give some good football with high intensity. I think that’s what the fans expect from a game like this,” said Ouaddou. “On our side, we may be disappointed with the result because we wanted to win, and we conceded from a set-piece. But I have to congratulate the boys for their energy, their character, and the personality they showed to come back and equalize.”

With everything still to play for, the coach stressed that the tie is far from over. “Let’s say this is the first half; the second half is coming,” he added. “Everything will be decided in the next game. We still have the opportunity to qualify for the final, but it was a good game.”

The two sides will face off in the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday.