‘This is a message for us..’: Jose Riveiro on beating Al Ahly
While being tipped for CAF Champions League success after beating Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says the win has impact that goes beyond one fixture.
The trailblazing Soweto giants handed Al Ahly their first home defeat of the season in the competition.
And undoubtedly, it was a big victory for Jose Riveiro’s men, who have had so much impetus in every competition this season.
As such, they ended the group phase campaign on top of Group C, with 14 points out of a possible 18.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Gilberto were on target in the 2-1 win while Hussein El Shahat scored Ahly’s consolation goal.
WHAT PIRATES COACH RIVEIRO SAID
Speaking after the match, Riveiro refused to be drawn into commenting about winning the CAF Champions League title.
Instead, he said the win is a big message for his youthful team as they hit good strides in the African continent.
“I think overall, it was good performance for us. And I really appreciate the effort of my players. The level of resilience they showed against Al Ahly is very good for the future.
“This is a message for us, for a young team to say and understand that we have the capacity to compete in games like this.
“I am not talking about the result, I am talking about the capacity to compete and staying in the game even at difficult times.
“That is what is important but for today, it’s the character and the personality of the team that matters in a scenario like this.”
’IT’S TOO EARLY TO TALK OF THE UPCOMING ROUNDS’, SAYS RIVEIRO
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League was extended after the win.
Riveiro added: “Today was very important and the match was full of competition between the two teams.
“The first half had one form and the second half had another form. I am happy with the level we presented and happy with the high level of the Orlando Pirates players.
“Beating the African champions on their home ground and advancing as group leaders is a big thing.
“I was saying before the match that this encounter is very important. And that winning the match and advancing as leaders is something we can be proud of.
“It is too early to talk about the upcoming rounds. The important thing is that we gave a strong performance in the group stage and achieved 14 points.
“We have a great technical staff, and we all work together to solve any problem we face. I do not work alone.”
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