Ouaddou: Missed Chances Motivated Casric In Nedbank Cup Upset

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side’s failure to convert chances gave Casric Stars the belief to eliminate them from the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.

Casric held their nerve to secure a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory after 120 goalless minutes at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

The Buccaneers’ exit followed earlier elimination for Mamelodi Sundowns, who were knocked out by TS Galaxy.

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mpho Chabatsane and Nkosikhona Ndaba all missed their penalties for Pirates, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s efforts in the shootout were not enough to prevent defeat.

This year’s Nedbank Cup will now continue without Pirates, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, who were also eliminated in the last 16.

It is the first time since the 2021/22 season that Pirates have been knocked out at the Round of 16 stage, when they were eliminated by Marumo Gallants.

Pirates had reached the final in each of the last three seasons, winning two titles and finishing runners-up last season.

Ouaddou: ‘It Is the Magic of the Cup’

“I think in football, especially in cup competitions, any team can challenge you in one game because of team spirit,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.

“Congratulations to Casric Stars — they played the game they wanted. They waited for us and allowed us to have possession. We created some opportunities in the first half, but unfortunately we didn’t score. When you give motivation to these kinds of teams, you are going to suffer.

“In the second half, we created more chances, but again we didn’t score. It is the magic of the cup. For us, we will analyse this and bounce back quickly because that is very important.”

The defeat marks Pirates’ second consecutive loss, following their midweek Betway Premiership defeat to Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

The timing is far from ideal, with Pirates set to face arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium next Saturday.