Disciples FC head coach Ravalison Mamonjisoa has admitted being caught off guard by Orlando Pirates‘ display in Friday night’s CAF Champions League Preliminary round second-leg clash at an electrifying Orlando Stadium.
The islanders were given a football lesson as the Buccaneers ran rampant with a 4-0 thumping to progress to the next round where they will await the winner between Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy and African Stars of Namibia who have a shock 1-0 lead.
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After an impressive first leg clash, where they kept Pirates at bay as the tie ended 0-0 in Mauritius, the Madagascar champions were hoping to cause one of the biggest upsets in continental football, Mamonjisoa was not in denial on how Pirates made it difficult for them to score and caught them offensively on the wide flanks.
“We’re not well prepared defensively, they surprised us a lot on the sides,” Mamonjisoa told the media after the game.
“We tried to score in the second half but we couldn’t – it was a tough game for us.”
Mamonjisoa further added as first-time participants in Africa’s premium club competition, they are hoping to make a better come back.
“Yes, the truth is it’s our first time as Champions and first time in the Champions league, ” he added.
“Yes, we hope to be back in the competition next year and have better results in future competitions.”
In conclusion, the Disciples FC coach said learnings from the competition has aided them to work harder if they wish to advance further.
“We’re discovering a lot of things in this competition, it’s a high level, we hope to reach that level, but we have a lot of work to do.”
Mamonjisoa and his charges will now switch their attention to domestic action where they top the Malagasy Conférence Sud log standings with 15 points from seven matches, two points ahead of second-placed Elgeco Plus.
