Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has acknowledged that Kaizer Chiefs had a golden opportunity to take control of the Soweto Derby during the first half, before the Buccaneers turned things around to secure a 2-1 victory.

Speaking after the highly anticipated encounter, Ouaddou admitted that Chiefs had enjoyed a strong opening period and could have effectively decided the match before half-time.

According to the Pirates coach, the two teams had contrasting periods of dominance, with Amakhosi controlling much of the first half while the Buccaneers produced a stronger performance after the break.

"Kaizer Chiefs had the first half to kill the game, and after, we had the second half for us," Ouaddou explained.

The Moroccan tactician also highlighted the extraordinary atmosphere surrounding the Soweto Derby, comparing the intensity and magnitude of the encounter to a UEFA Champions League fixture.

"But you see the intensity, the magnitude, the fans. Yes, it was a Champions League game. Let's say it like that," he added.

The 2-1 result handed Orlando Pirates an important victory over their biggest rivals, while leaving Kaizer Chiefs with questions about their inability to capitalise on their first-half opportunities.

For Chiefs supporters, the defeat will be particularly disappointing given that their team had opportunities to put the game beyond Pirates' reach before the interval.

Pirates, meanwhile, will take confidence from their second-half response and their ability to turn a difficult derby situation into a memorable victory.

Ouaddou's comments have also highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in one of South African football's biggest fixtures, where missed opportunities can ultimately determine the outcome.

Source : https://x.com/ChiefsCentralZA/status/2116879757245608149/photo/1?a=FM5K3phl9fvZ9Smhamw&s=19