Orlando Pirates suffered their first defeat of pre-season after going down 3-2 to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad in an entertaining friendly in Spain on Tuesday.
The result brought an end to the Buccaneers’ unbeaten run under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, following earlier results against Córdoba CF and Cádiz CF.
Fast Start From Al-Ittihad
The Saudi side opened the scoring after just 10 minutes when Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri headed home to give Al-Ittihad an early advantage.
Pirates responded well and were rewarded in the 27th minute as Thalente Mbatha found the equaliser to level the contest.
However, Moussa Diaby restored Al-Ittihad’s lead just before halftime, sending the Saudi club into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Pirates Fall Short
Al-Ittihad extended their lead late in the second half to make it 3-1 and put themselves firmly in control of the encounter.
Pirates continued to fight until the final whistle, with Yanela Mbuthuma pulling one back deep into stoppage time, but it proved to be only a consolation as the Saudi giants held on for a 3-2 victory.
Attention Turns to Las Palmas
The defeat marks Ouaddou’s first since taking charge of the Buccaneers during pre-season.
Pirates had previously drawn 1-1 with Córdoba CF before defeating Cádiz CF 2-1 during their preparations in Spain.
The Betway Premiership champions now turn their attention to another stern test against Spanish La Liga side UD Las Palmas on Wednesday, before wrapping up their tour against Saudi club Neom SC on Friday.