Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side have put themselves in a strong position to reach the CAF Champions League group stages after securing a 1-0 away win over African Stars in the first leg of their second preliminary round qualifier on Saturday.
The Buccaneers travelled to Botswana for the first leg against the Namibian champions and delivered a solid defensive performance while managing to secure the crucial away goal.
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Ouaddou was pleased with how his players adapted to the conditions and executed their game plan, crediting his analysis department for ensuring the team were well prepared for the encounter.
“My boys did well, we started how we wanted, no surprises about the opponent, we had good information from my analysis department, well done to them, the first half we adapted well to the conditions, the heat, the pitch as well,” he said.
The Pirates coach felt his side could have put the tie beyond their opponents earlier, but was equally encouraged by their defensive solidity, having secured another clean sheet.
“We definitely could have scored two goals early – but I have to give credit to the team block, defensively we were strong again, another clean sheet. We went without conceding a goal, which was the target, make tactical adjustments to get the away goal,” he added.
The result gives Pirates an advantage heading into the return leg in South Africa, with Ouaddou suggesting his side are now close to achieving their objective of progressing to the group stages.
“We did it, the boys showed ambition to score this away goal, we could have scored more goals, but let’s be happy, I think we succeeded the first half, we still have the second half in South Africa – I can say we have one foot in the group stage,” he continued.
However, the Moroccan tactician was quick to stress that the job is not yet complete, with the second leg at Orlando Stadium still to come.
Pirates are targeting a place in the group stages after falling short at the same preliminary stage last season, when they were eliminated by DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
Ouaddou insists his team will now focus on recovering properly and preparing for the decisive encounter, with qualification a major objective for everyone at the club.
“We have an important second half, we have to prepare for this in order to get into the group stage, it’s important target for the club, the technical team, the players, we will make sure we rest and start this game, to win it.”