Ouaddou Makes Bold Pirates Claim After African Stars Victory

“One Foot in the Group Stages!” Ouaddou Sends Strong Message After Orlando Pirates’ Crucial CAF Champions League Win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his team have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the CAF Champions League group stages after securing a valuable 1-0 victory over African Stars in the first leg of their second preliminary round qualifier.

The Buccaneers defeated the Namibian champions at Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, 17 October 2026, putting themselves in a promising position ahead of the decisive return leg in Soweto.

South African international Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal of the encounter in the 75th minute, rewarding Pirates for their persistence after a closely contested match.

Ouaddou Impressed With Pirates’ Performance

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance, particularly their ability to adapt to challenging conditions and execute the tactical plan prepared by the technical team.

The Moroccan coach also praised the club’s analysis department for helping the players understand their opponents before the important continental encounter.

According to Ouaddou, Pirates approached the match with the right mentality and remained focused despite the difficult conditions.

He acknowledged that his team could have scored earlier in the match but was pleased with their defensive organisation and ability to secure a clean sheet.

The coach said the players had done well to create opportunities while remaining disciplined at the back, highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary goals against them in a competition where every advantage matters.

Moremi Delivers When Pirates Need Him Most

Although Pirates created opportunities during the first half, they struggled to find the breakthrough against a determined African Stars defence.

The Soweto giants continued pushing after the interval, and their persistence eventually paid off when Moremi found the back of the net in the 75th minute.

His decisive contribution handed the Buccaneers an important away victory and strengthened their hopes of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

The result was particularly encouraging for Pirates, who are determined to avoid another disappointing early exit from Africa’s premier club competition.

Group Stage Qualification Within Reach

Ouaddou was confident about his team's prospects after the final whistle, suggesting that Pirates had placed themselves in a strong position to achieve their objective.

The coach indicated that the first leg had gone according to plan, although he acknowledged that another important challenge awaits his players in South Africa.

Pirates were eliminated by DR Congo's Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the same preliminary stage last season, making qualification for the group stages a major priority this campaign.

The Buccaneers will now turn their attention to the return fixture, where they will have an opportunity to finish the job in front of their home supporters.

Despite holding a one-goal advantage, Ouaddou knows that African Stars remain capable of fighting back.

Pirates must therefore maintain their concentration, defend intelligently and take their chances when they come.

For the Soweto giants, the mission is clear: secure qualification, restore their continental momentum and take another step towards challenging Africa's best clubs.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2111698796836950096