Orlando Pirates couldn’t afford slip-up against Lioli – Abdeslam Ouaddou

The Buccaneers entered the return leg with a commanding 3-0 advantage after outclassing the Lesotho side a week earlier and duly finished the job in front of their home supporters at Orlando Stadium, running out emphatic 7-0 winners on aggregate.

Ouaddou praised his players for delivering a composed and professional display, noting that such consistency is vital if Pirates are to go deep into the competition.

"If we had scored only one goal, I would not have been happy with my players, and I would have said we did not respect the opponent.

"But I'm very proud of them; they were ambitious and professional."

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns cruise past Richards Bay to reclaim Betway Premiership summit

The Pirates mentor adds that their game plan was clear from the start, wanting to play on the front foot to put the match to bed.

Meanwhile, Lioli coach Bongani Maseko hit back at his Pirates counterpart, dismissing claims that he had labelled the Buccaneers’ players “overrated” – a remark he insists he never made.

"In my previous interview, I said that Pirates were not good enough, not that they were overrated, there is a difference. It remains a fact that Pirates have a good coach and great players."

Maseko admits his charges were punished for trying to go all out as they were eager to overturn the first leg result.