Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi admits he was surprised to see so many supporters when they lost to Al Ittihad in Benghazi on Sunday.
The Buccaneers suffered their first loss in the Confederation Cup group stages following a 3-2 defeat to Al-Ittihad at Martyrs of February Stadium – the venue selected due to the Tripoli-based club’s stadium not up to the required standard to host international fixtures.
And it was a rather surprising scene for Pirates with home supporters there to urge their side on as they scored three spectacular goals in the five-goal thriller.
Ncikazi felt they shouldn’t have allowed those goals – all of which were scored from outside the area but remains optimistic for the remainder of their Group stage campaign.
“I thought we conceded bad goals, bad goals that we shouldn’t concede,” Ncikazi told club’s media department.
“I didn’t expect to see so many supporters for this team, I thought CAF has not allowed supporters in the field but today they were there.
“But good tactical plan from the coach sitting in the block, coming out on the counter. We couldn’t break out the block.
“We still have an opportunity when we go back home, but a good team, a very good performance from this team, let’s hope when they come to South Africa, we’ll get the results.”
Pirates face eSwatini outfit Royal Leopards next at Mbombela Stadium this weekend in Africa’s second-tier club competition.
