Orlando Pirates coach regrets missed chances in Al Ahly draw

"We lacked the opportunities we had, especially in the first half," said Orlando Pirates coach Jose Rivero after his team’s goalless draw against Al Ahly in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Saturday. 

Despite controlling much of the game in the opening 45 minutes, the South African side was unable to capitalize on their chances, leaving Rivero frustrated with the missed opportunities.

In a tense encounter at the Orlando Stadium, both teams struggled to find the back of the net, despite creating several chances throughout the match.

Rivero admitted that while his team’s performance was solid, especially in defense, the failure to score was a key disappointment.

"We played a strong match until the end against a competitor with long experience in the Champions League," he said.

"Not achieving victory is the only negative point."

The Pirates were the better side in the first half, with several key chances to take the lead.

However, as the game progressed, Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, found their rhythm and put pressure on the hosts.

Yet, the Egyptian giants were also unable to convert their opportunities. "We created several chances in front of Orlando Pirates' goal, and the opponent also had several attempts," said Koller after the match.

Despite the draw, both coaches found positives in their teams' performances. Koller, while acknowledging the missed opportunities, expressed satisfaction with the point gained on the road.

"Each team got a valuable point in the tournament, and we will close the chapter on this match," he remarked.

With this result, Al-Ahly remains top of Group C on goal difference, level on points with Orlando Pirates, who will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches.

Rivero noted that he would shift his focus to the local league before preparing for the next round of Champions League fixtures, against Stade d'Abidjan.

Meanwhile, Koller will look to refine his team’s finishing ahead of their next encounter in the group stage against CR Belouizdad on 22 December.