CAFCL: Orlando Pirates coach Riveiro credits heroic second half for first leg victory

Photo Credit: Orlando Pirates Media

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said their slender 1-0 CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg victory against MC Alger came after a difficult first half. The South African giants scored in the second half to take a first leg advantage over the Algerian side.

Riveiro said Pirates had a difficult first half in Algiers. “The level of aggressiveness was there and the opponent was at home in the quarterfinal with a full crowd, an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. They (MCA) managed to suffocate us in the first 45 minutes. It was difficult for us to get balls on their half. But again we defended very well.”

The change in plans in the second interval allowed Pirates to have breathing space. “We limited them to few options in the first half. We tried to be ourselves and find more balls in their half. We worked hard to find the lead. Last fifteen minutes we played to consolidate the result. Overall, two different approaches. Well played football from both teams.”

Riveiro suggested the tie is far from over even if Orlando Pirates won away from home. “We have a return game in Orlando. Everything is possible. It is a good way to start the quarter finals. We have 90 minutes to play in Orlando and football is unpredictable. Hopefully we can be better than them again.”

Orlando Pirates are unbeaten against North African clubs in the ongoing Champions League campaign. They twice beat Algerian side CR Belouizdad and managed to take maximum points against giants Al Ahly in the group stage.