Orlando Pirates end their pre-season on a low note

Published on by Willis Sob, updated on

The Nedbank Cup champions are now set to return home for the Premier Soccer League after their pre-season in Europe.

Orlando Pirates ended their Spanish tour on a sour note after falling 3-2 against Al-Sadd on Friday night.

The Jose Riveiro-led team must have been riding high in confidence after their initial two draws and a win.

The South Africans had a slow start which saw them lose possession in a dangerous area after just three minutes. Abdullatif Hashim Ali took full advantage of the opportunity to get an opening goal in favour of the Middle East outfit.

The Sea Robbers responded positively and within five minutes, they neutralised the opponent's strike. Kabelo Dlamini managed to get the ball in the final third before beautifully setting up Tshegofatso Mabasa. The towering forward dunked the ball past on-rushing Saad Al Sheeb to get his name on the score sheet.

Al-Sadd vs Orlando Pirates
Image: Al-Sadd

Mabasa completes his brace

A minute later, it even got better for the Buccaneers; the hard-working Congolese Karim Kimvuidi danced his way into the danger zone, and the defenders failed to clear the ball allowing Mabasa to complete his brace.

Poor marking, in the 40th minute, allowed Ali Assadalla to pass the ball to Guilherme who was in a prime position. The Brazilian unleashed a good strike which found its way into the back of the net via Thabiso Sesane's deflection to ensure the sides went to the break tied.

Al-Sadd struggled after the pause, but they somehow managed to keep Bucs from their danger zone.

Pirates pushed in numbers, hoping to get another goal, a tactic that cost them in the 55th minute. A long ball from the back found Deon Hotto off position, allowing Gonzalo Plata acres of space. 

The attacker cut in before firing past the goalkeeper to hand his team a win as well as inflict Pirates their first loss in pre-season.

Orlando Pirates end their pre-season on a low note

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.