Riveiro: Pirates Showed Exceptional Resilience

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro praised the character of his players as they beat Al Ahly 2-1 in their Cairo fortress on Saturday to clinch top spot in Group C of the CAF Champions League.

Second-half goals from Relebohile Mofokeng 53 and Tshegofatso Mabasa 83 at the Cairo International Stadium ensured that the Buccaneers finished four points clear of the defending champions in their group.

It was Pirates third away win against the Egyptian giants - a feat no other South African club has achieved - and they were only one of two teams to go unbeaten throughout the group stages along with AS FAR.

Riveiro stated that the performance against Marcel Kollers side showed that the Sea Robbers can compete in toughest of scenarios and was thrilled with how they defended in the second half under immense pressure.

Overall I think it was a good game for both teams but I appreciate my players for playing like this, showing resilience against Ahly in Cairo, the Spaniard said.