Orlando Pirates ended their pre-season tour of Spain with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Saudi Pro League outfit NEOM at the Marbella Football Center on Friday night.
NEOM wasted a glorious chance to take the lead with 10 minutes on the clock after Thalente Mbatha was dispossessed just outside the box. The Saudi side however missed their chance with Sipho Chaine well beaten.
Tshepang Moremi beat the offside trap two minutes later but his lob past the goalkeeper sailed over the crossbar.
NEOM were first to break the deadlock in the 31st minute through Saïd Benrahma who beat Chaine with an audacious free-kick at the near post to make it 1-0.
Benrahma missed a chance to score his brace of the evening shortly after the break with his shot from close range rattling the crossbar.
In the 55th minute, the Buccaneers had half a chance to level matters after a scramble at the edge of the NEOM penalty area which led to an opportunity for Boitumelo Radiopane, but he went wide with his effort.
Ten minutes later, a free-kick was awarded to the Buccaneers which was taken by Mbatha, who directed his shot wide.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men were unable to find their way back into the game with NEOM holding firm for the win.
Pirates now return to Mzansi for final preparations before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign gets underway next month.
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