Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Praises Evidence Makgopa After CAF Champions League Brace
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised striker Evidence Makgopa after the forward delivered an impressive performance in the Buccaneers' 4-0 victory over African Stars in the CAF Champions League. Makgopa scored twice to help the Soweto giants secure a place in the group stages of Africa's premier club competition.
The convincing victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening confirmed Pirates' progress with a commanding 5-0 aggregate win over the Namibian champions. For Makgopa, the match represented an important opportunity to demonstrate his quality after an extended period on the sidelines due to injury.
His contribution also gave Ouaddou another reason to feel confident about the attacking options available as the club prepares for the challenges ahead. Pirates entered the second leg determined to finish the job after establishing an advantage in the first meeting.
The Buccaneers showed their attacking intent from the opening stages, moving the ball effectively and putting pressure on the African Stars defence. Their early dominance paid off in the 17th minute when Thapelo Mokobodi broke beyond the defensive line and finished a cross delivered by Simphiwe Masilela.
The opening goal gave Pirates greater control of the contest and forced their opponents to respond. With the home side dictating the tempo, the visitors faced an increasingly difficult task as the Soweto giants continued to create opportunities.
Makgopa doubled Pirates' advantage in the 45th minute, scoring just before half-time and giving his team further control of the tie. The timing of the goal was particularly valuable because it allowed the Buccaneers to enter the interval with a comfortable lead.
Pirates maintained their momentum after the restart, with Mpho Padime making an immediate impact after coming on as a half-time substitute. Padime found the back of the net in the 46th minute to make it 3-0 and strengthen the home side's grip on the match.
Makgopa then completed his brace in the 77th minute, putting the finishing touch on a comprehensive performance that confirmed Pirates' place in the CAF Champions League group stages. Ouaddou was particularly pleased with Makgopa's response to the opportunity he received.
Speaking after the match, the Orlando Pirates coach explained that the striker had not played regularly since the previous season, making the decision to include him an important step in his return to action. The Moroccan tactician was delighted to see the forward make the most of his chance against African Stars.