Orlando Pirates closed out their European pre-season tour with a second defeat to Saudi Pro League opposition, going down 1-0 to NEOM SC at the Estepona Football Center in Marbella, Spain, on Friday evening.
Said Benrahma’s first-half free-kick separated the sides as NEOM, preparing for their debut Pro League campaign, produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate the Soweto club despite lengthy spells of Pirates possession.
The result followed a 3-2 loss to Al-Ittihad Club earlier in the week, meaning the Buccaneers left Spain without a win against Saudi opponents.
Benrahma free-kick decides contest
The friendly began at a high tempo, with both teams competing fiercely for control in midfield. Orlando Pirates settled quickly on the ball and looked comfortable building from the back, but struggled to turn their patient approach play into clear openings.
NEOM, compact and well-organised, limited space in the final third and looked to pounce on transitions. The breakthrough came on 31 minutes when Benrahma stepped up over a free-kick and curled his effort beyond Sipho Chaine at the near post to give the Saudi side the advantage.
Pirates almost levelled before the interval. Thalente Mbatha unleashed a powerful strike from distance that flew just wide, before Oswin Appollis drew an impressive save from inside the penalty area as NEOM goalkeeper and defence combined to preserve the lead.
The Sea Robbers went into half-time trailing 1-0, despite enjoying more of the ball and creating the better openings late in the first period.
Changes fail to turn dominance into goals
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced several substitutes after the restart to try to inject fresh energy and attacking impetus. Yet NEOM continued to show resilience at the back and remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Benrahma, already decisive from a set-piece, almost struck again early in the second half, finding space on the edge of the area before dragging his effort narrowly wide of the upright.
At the other end, Boitumelo Radiopane became involved in a goalmouth scramble but could not steer his effort on target under pressure from covering defenders. Later, Abdoulaye Mariko took responsibility from range, only to see his long-distance attempt drift off target.
Despite controlling possession for long periods, Pirates were repeatedly repelled in the final third, with NEOM holding their shape and winning key duels inside their own box. The Saudi club ultimately saw out the closing stages to claim a clean sheet and a narrow victory.
Focus shifts to Betway Premiership opener
The defeat brought an end to Orlando Pirates’ European pre-season programme, which featured mixed results but valuable minutes for a range of squad members under Ouaddou’s watch.
Attention now turns to domestic matters, with the Buccaneers set to open their Betway Premiership campaign at home against top-flight newcomers Milford FC.
That fixture is scheduled for Saturday 1 August at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off at 15:00, as Pirates begin their bid to challenge again in the league after their preparations in Spain.
