Orlando Pirates’ six-point cushion at the top was cut in half after Brayan Leon struck twice in a ruthless first-half display from defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates started brightly and dominated the early exchanges, carving out several clear-cut chances. However, a combination of excellent goalkeeping by Ronwen Williams and a lack of composure in the final third saw the hosts fail to capitalise on their momentum.
“I think we had two halves,” Ouaddou told reporters after the match.
“In the first, we wanted to be compact and play on the transition, and it worked because we recovered many balls and created the most effective chances. Unfortunately, we weren’t efficient.
READ: Title Race Alive! Brayan Leon Double Rocks Orlando Pirates and Revives Mamelodi Sundowns’ Chase
“Sundowns had fewer chances but they were more efficient than us. It’s difficult to go into halftime 2-0 down, but I think the boys responded well in the second half.”
After the break, Pirates emerged with renewed urgency and were quickly rewarded when Patrick Maswanganyi pulled one back, injecting belief into the contest. The league leaders pressed high and controlled large spells of the second stanza but were unable to find the equaliser despite sustained pressure.
Ouaddou, however, remains optimistic, insisting the title race is far from over.
“We pushed for the second goal but couldn’t get it,” he said.
“Sundowns won the first half, we won the second, but football is about goals. Nothing is lost — there are still games to play, and we must fight until the end.”