Abdeslam Ouaddo praises Orlando Pirates' character after holding Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semis

Teboho Mokoena gave the Brazilians a 36th minute lead at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday but Kamogelo Sebelebele ensured a share of the spoils with his goal just three minutes from time.

Pirates had started their Betway Premiership campaign with two successive defeats, to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, but were much improved against Miguel Cardoso's side.

Speaking after the encounter, an upbeat Ouaddou explained that he was expecting to win but will take the positives from their second-half fight-back.

He told SuperSport: "The content today was interesting, we showed some character, some strengths as well from our boys.

"We showed this aim to play forward and to create chances, but in football sometimes it's not easy because the result has to match with the performance but at the moment the results are not matching with the performance of the boys.

"Let's hope that in the future we will take results and everything will be aligned and I just want our fans to be patient. I know it's not the work in a big club like that, but I hope they will be patient with us."

Ouaddou added that after such a strong performance, he expects his side to reach the MTN8 final.

"I think it was a great game from both teams. Both teams tried to play some good football with intensity. I think it's what the fans are expecting from such game," said the Bucs boss.

"I think from our side, we are maybe disappointed with the result because we wanted to win, of course. We concede from a set-piece. But I have to congratulate the boys for the energy, about the character they have to come back. Let's say it's the first half, there's still a second half.

“Everything will be decided in the second game, we still have the opportunity to qualify but it was a good game.”