DRAW NOT ENOUGH
Bucs ’ point against AC Leopards makes for harder Caf campaign
ORLANDO Pirates have made things a bit difficult for themselves in their Caf Champions League campaign.
The Buccaneers dropped two important points when they played to a goalless draw against AC Leopards in their opening group phase match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
A draw at home is never an ideal result, not least at such a crucial stage of the competition.
As Bucs’ coach Roger de Sa admitted, his side could soon be faced with an uphill climb to get out of Group A.
Pirates have arduous trips to Cairo where they are scheduled to play Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Ahly as well as a tighter domestic league schedule.
“We are disappointed,” said De Sa.
“Obviously, the chances we missed are a cause for serious concern. But overall I was not entirely disappointed as we created good chances, particularly in the second half. It could have been different. If it were a boxing match, we would have won on points.”
But this was not a boxing match and no one left with bloodied nose, but possibly with a slight dip in confidence.
It could have been different for Pirates had any of Daine Klate, Sifiso Myeni or Lennox Bacela converted one of the five clear-cut chances the home side had against the Congo Brazzaville side.
“The guys are a bit rusty but they were still competitive out there. We will get better,” De Sa insisted.
“I think in the second half we were a lot better. We got into it and had some really good chances.”
De Sa’s Leopards counterpart, Joseph Marius Omog, said he was relieved to have earned a vital point on the road. “I am satisfied with the point but if the players had understood what I expected of them, we should have done better.”
De Sa had no place in the team for Collins Mbesuma, who he explained lacked match fitness.