Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten pre-season run came to an end on Tuesday after they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad during their training camp in Spain.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou handed first starts to Bafana Bafana trio Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa, while Sihle Nduli and Lebone Seema were also included in an experimental starting line-up as preparations for the new campaign continued.
Al-Ittihad struck first after 10 minutes when Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri escaped his marker to head home Abdulrahman Al-Aboud’s inviting cross beyond Sipho Chaine.
Pirates responded positively and were rewarded midway through the first half. Appollis teed up the returning Mbatha, who unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area that flew into the far corner to level the contest.
The Buccaneers enjoyed a promising spell after equalising and thought they had gone ahead when Tshepang Moremi found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out. Instead, Al-Ittihad regained the lead just before the break as former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby collected Ahmed Al-Ghamdi’s pass and finished clinically against the run of play.
Ouaddou made several changes after the interval, introducing fresh legs as he continued to assess his squad. While Pirates controlled long periods of possession and pushed for another equaliser, clear chances proved difficult to create against a disciplined Saudi defence.
The match was effectively settled six minutes from time when Pirates surrendered possession in a dangerous area. Roger Fernandes capitalised by releasing George Ilenikhena, who surged forward before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
Yanela Mbuthuma pulled a goal back late on to set up a tense finish, but Pirates were unable to find a second equaliser as their Spanish tour ended with a narrow defeat despite another encouraging attacking display.