Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has described Saturday evening’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions’ League Group C clash against Stade d’Abidjan as “really difficult against a very good opponent”.
Pirates sit comfortably in second place, unbeaten in the group with seven points after three matches.
A win could see them advance to the knockout stages, but Riveiro is wary of their opponents, who remain at the bottom of the group with just one point.
Riveiro emphasised the importance of securing all three points to strengthen their position in the group while acknowledging the challenge that awaits.
Despite Abidjan’s struggles in the group, the Spanish coach warned that the match will not be easy.
“It’s a really, really difficult one against a very good opponent,” Riveiro said, highlighting their potential to cause problems.
Both teams have much to play for—Pirates seek to confirm their place in the next round, while Abidjan still hopes to stay alive in the competition.
The two sides played out to a 1-1 draw in Abidjan in December last year after Evidence Makgopa’s late first half goal was cancelled out by Ousmane Méité’s response early in the second half.
Riveiro’s message is clear: while Pirates are focused on their strengths, they must respect the threat posed by the West Africans, making this encounter a crucial and tough test for the Buccaneers.
Kick-off at Orlando Stadium on Saturday is 18h00 Local Time (16h00 GMT).
Source: Cafonline.com
