Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said he expected it would be a tough clash against Sekhukhune United in Saturday’s Carling Knockout, but was pleased to advance to the semifinals.
Mpho Phadime’s first-half goal saw Pirates continue their defence of their title as they registered a narrow 1-0 win.
“It’s a very tough game. I think it's normal when you play the same side four times in a row, you cannot come just to chill,” said Ouaddou after the confrontation at the Orlando Stadium.
“They came with a true plan, very organised. I think we started quite well, exactly as we wanted, trying to move their block from side to side and expecting some space between the lines.
“We managed to create some chances in the first half and we converted one. I think the opponent had the opportunity as well to score in the first half,” added the Pirates coach.
“So I think I can say that we were lucky to come in at the halftime with a 1-0 lead. We tried to make some adjustments in the second half, and more specifically in our defence because I saw that we were a little bit disjointed.
“We could have conceded two goals because of a lack of communication, lack of aggressiveness, lack of cover, as well.
“In the second half, we could have had three or four goals, if we are honest. But we did manage to win, so well done to the boys.
“I think the most important is to go through the next stage, well done for the clean sheet again,” said Ouaddou.