15 Sep 2024

Two mistakes and failure to be clinical is how Jwaneng Galaxy coach, Morena Ramoreboli summarised his team’s loss to Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the CAF Champions league second preliminary round at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The two-goals were scored by Tshegofatso Mabasa in the late stages of the first half and a clinical finish by Deon Hotto in the second half with about 12 minutes of regular time remaining following a midfield dispossession by Pirates.

“We made two mistakes and the two mistakes cost us the game today," he said.

We created many chances which I believe have we been in a better position, we would have scored,” he said in a post-match press conference.

Despite the loss leaving Lesagaripa with a mountain to climb in the return leg in two weeks time, Ramoreboli is still confident that what Pirates can do, Galaxy can do better.

“It’s not over yet, we have the ability and capability to come back. We need to find strength from losing 2-0 at home and motivation to take us into the second leg. It’s a game of football and sometimes you have to take the results, bad as they are, and plan the way forward,” he said.

Ramoreboli said although they were disappointed with the result, the performance of the team was very good.

He emphasised that they had their chances and could have scored, but that they rushed a bit in the final third.

Moreover, he said forcing a big team like Pirates to make defensive substitutions indicated a lot.

Ramoreboli also brushed aside suggestions that his team might have been undone by missing key players for about two weeks prior to the tie.

“We only used two players who were with the national team in Phoko (Goitseone) and Mangolo (Benson) so I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I have signed 25 players, all of whom am convinced can win us matches,” he said.

For his part, Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro said they would not full themselves that the game was over.

“These are difficult competitions and playing here is extremely difficult and it has been a challenge one more time after a year. Galaxy is a difficult team home and it’s good that we managed to capitalise on our good moments,” he said.

Riveiro also said they came to Gaborone still pained by being denied a chance at the group stages of the competition by Galaxy and were motivated by the desire to avenge.

He said although they were aware that the game was not over yet, the result would cushion the pressure in the second leg.

The aggregate winner between the two sides will proceed to the lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions league. Ends