Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro - Photo Pirates Media.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has insisted they still have three matches to play following their 1-1 Caf Champions League draw against Stade d’Abidjan at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Saturday.
Pirates were looking to push their tally to seven points on the halfway mark of the group stage, with top spot beckoning but opportunities denied their efforts, particularly in the first half where they were the more dominant side.
It was the PSL side, who took the lead when Relebohile Mofokeng was brought down inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. The resulted in a penalty was taken by Makgopa, who effortlessly sent goalkeeper Drissa Bamba the wrong way with seconds remaining before the break. Yeyes drew level for the home side for their first point in the group.
“Three games to still play in this group, plenty of opportunities for all the teams in involved, we came here with the intention to get maximum points,” Riviero told reporters as quoted by idiskitimes.
“But there was an opponent also, who did many things very well, so if I think about the number of opportunities we didn’t use in the first 25 minutes of the game, maybe it makes me a little bit disappointed with the result.
“But overall, with the efforts of the opponent, and very difficult circumstances to play football – I’m not fully happy with a point but it’s a point away from home and everything is still fully in our hands.
“Well it’s a point that gives us an opportunity to be leading the group at the moment.”
The win saw Pirates ascend to the top of Group C with five points from three matches, one more than second-placed and African champions Al Ahly, who will play against CR Belouizdad on Sunday.
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