Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro gave a one-word answer when he was asked about why he preferred to start Monnapule Saleng ahead of Mohau Nkota against Al Ahly.
The Buccaneers drew 0-0 with the Club of the Century in the CAF Champions League group stage clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams have both accumulated four points from their opening two games with Al Ahly on top of the table due to their superiority in goal difference.
Speaking to the media after the match, Riveiro said dropping Nkota for Saleng was just a “tactical” decision.
He went on to commend the performance of his players saying they were “excellent” on the day.
RIVEIRO SAYS HIS TEAM PRODUCED EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
“I think it’s an excellent performance by Orlando Pirates from the beginning until the end,” said Riveiro after the game.
“I think it’s a super good opponent [Al Ahly], tough opponent, they have a lot of experience, they know how to minimise the way to suffer.
“Any other opponent today, without that performance, will struggle. I think that’s the only part we missed today—to create a little bit more in the last third. Knowing that against these types of teams, you’re going to have one or two opportunities, and you have to capitalise.
“But I’m so proud of the whole squad, everybody, the 20 [players[, and even the ones who couldn’t make it to the 20 because they helped us a lot this week to prepare for this game. Yeah, I think it’s one more point, and we keep going.”
