Orlando Pirates concluded their pre-season training camp in Spain with a 1-0 loss to Saudi Pro League newcomers NEOM SC on Friday evening, ending their European preparations on a disappointing note despite another encouraging display.
The Buccaneers enjoyed lengthy spells of possession and created several scoring opportunities but were unable to find the finishing touch, as Saïd Benrahma’s first-half free-kick proved to be the decisive moment of the contest.
Benrahma’s Set Piece Makes the Difference
The match at the Estepona Football Center in Marbella began at a lively pace, with both teams battling for control in midfield.
Orlando Pirates looked comfortable on the ball and attempted to dictate the tempo, while NEOM SC remained organized defensively and waited for opportunities to counter.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Benrahma stepped up to take a free-kick and curled his effort past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine at the near post, giving the Saudi outfit a slender lead.
Pirates Threaten Before the Interval
Despite falling behind, Orlando Pirates responded positively and came close to leveling the score before halftime.
Thalente Mbatha tested the NEOM defence with a powerful long-range strike that narrowly missed the target.
Shortly afterward, Oswin Appollis forced an excellent save after finding space inside the penalty area, but the Saudi side held onto its advantage heading into the break.
Second-Half Changes Fail to Spark Comeback
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou reshuffled his lineup after halftime in search of an equalizer, introducing fresh legs to increase the attacking threat.
However, NEOM SC continued to defend with discipline while remaining dangerous on the counterattack.
Benrahma nearly doubled his tally early in the second half, but his effort drifted just wide of the post.
Pirates also created opportunities of their own.
Boitumelo Radiopane was unable to capitalize during a scramble inside the six-yard box, while Abdoulaye Mariko later tried his luck from distance, only to see his shot miss the target.
Possession Without Reward
For much of the encounter, Orlando Pirates controlled possession and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough.
However, their inability to convert promising moves into goals allowed NEOM SC to preserve its clean sheet and secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
It marked the Buccaneers’ second defeat against Saudi Pro League opposition during their Spanish training camp after earlier losing 3-2 to Al-Ittihad.
Focus Shifts to the Betway Premiership
With their overseas preparations now complete, Orlando Pirates will return to South Africa to finalize plans for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
Their domestic campaign is scheduled to begin at home against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1.
The coaching staff will now turn its attention to sharpening the squad ahead of what they hope will be a strong league challenge despite ending their European tour with consecutive defeats.
