Abdeslam Ouaddou praise as Orlando Pirates edge African Stars in crucial Champions League qualifier

Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal of the game at the Botswana National Stadium after 75 minutes to hand the Buccaneers a narrow advantage over the Namibian champions.

Pirates will now look to secure their place in the group stage of the continental competition with either a win or a draw at the Amstel Orlando Stadium on Friday.

Ouaddou praised the manner of the victory as his side stuck to their game plan, to score away from home and keep a clean-sheet.

"My boys did well, we started how we wanted, no surprises about the opponent, we had good information from my analysis department, well done to them, the first half we adapted well to the conditions, the heat, the pitch as well,” said the head coach on iDiski Times.

“We definitely could have scored two goals early – but I have to give credit to the team block, defensively we were strong again, another clean sheet. We went without conceding a goal, which was the target, make tactical adjustments to get the away goal.

"We did it, the boys showed ambition to score this away goal, we could have scored more goals, but let's be happy, I think we succeeded the first half, we still have the second half in South Africa – I can say we have one foot in the group stage," added Ouaddou.

“We have an important second half, we have to prepare for this in order to get into the group stage, it's important target for the club, the technical team, the players, we will make sure we rest and start this game, to win it.”