Orlando Pirates rout Lioli but coach Ouaddou demands sharper finishing

Orlando Pirates delivered a statement victory against Lioli FC, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is seeking improvement ahead of the CAF Champions League second leg next Saturday.

After a goalless first half at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Pirates ran out 3-0 winners over Lesotho’s Lioli in the first preliminary round, first leg clash. While the scoreline suggests a decisive result, Ouaddou viewed it as a missed opportunity for a bigger margin of victory.

“I do not believe that Pirates are one step into the second preliminary round, because we have not finished the second leg,”Ouaddou insisted, emphasising his focus not only on winning but also on improving performance quality as Pirates prepare for the return leg at Orlando Stadium.

Ouaddou highlighted a lack of clinical finishing that hampered the side in the first half.

“We could have scored more goals, especially in the first half, where we did not manage to get the space to go forward,” said Ouaddou.

The coach credited Lioli for their discipline, acknowledging the challenge they posed, but celebrated his players’ adherence to the tactical plan. A second-half shift paid off as Tshegofatso Mabasa emerged as the spark for Pirates’ resurgence.

The striker struck a quickfire brace after the break, capitalising on adjustments made by the technical team.

“We brought somebody closer to him who could play some passes forward,” explained Ouaddou, referencing the tactical tweak that allowed Pirates to stretch Lioli’s defence and exploit spaces in attack.

Oswin Appollis added a stoppage-time strike to seal a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg.

Reflecting afterwards, Ouaddou said: “In the game against Stellenbosch (a week ago), we brought (Tshepang) Moremi to serve Mabasa in the box. Now, it is good, and I am happy.”

With next Saturday’s return fixture looming, Pirates will look to build on this strong platform. Still, Ouaddou’s message underlined the high standards he expects from his players and his determination to pursue continual improvement.

“Now we are going to rest because we have a significant game in the league,” he added, referring to Tuesday’s clash against Siwelele at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein. His focus on recovery highlights the demands of modern football, where fixture congestion requires both physical and strategic readiness.