Despite the loss, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes his charge dominated the match against Mamelodi Sundowns and could easily take the opportunity.
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The Buccaneers played host to Brazil, but the home side unfortunately lost 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday thanks to an early goal from Cassius Mailula in the sixth minute.
Riveiro said his team had big chances in the second half to get back into the game, which they failed to convert and admitted they were penalized for mistakes at the back.
“It was an intense game from start to finish with two good teams and two similar plans to approach the game,” Riveiro said.
“The game changed quickly after we took the lead. We made a mistake on one of the builds and they really punished us with the first mistake,” the Bucs coach said.
“But I think the game was really dominated by Orlando Pirates in every scenario, even before half-time.
“Everyone asks about the second half, but I also controlled the situation (first half) well and we had opportunities especially with the set pieces, we were very close to finish (scoring) the second free kick. , but we were not lucky in the situation certain.
The Buccaneers had some good chances from Monnapule Saleng se pieces, and Riveiro continued to emphasize that where they could hurt the visitors. But he added that he was not happy with the way his team ended the match as it seemed to be under pressure.
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“I think Sundowns started the first five minutes of the second half well, but after that I think the game was for us. But we couldn’t use the chances we created, especially from 55 to 70 minutes in the second half. I didn’t like the end of the game, we need to stay more organized in the last part of the match.