Orlando Pirates FC lose 1-0 to NEOM in final Spain friendly

Orlando Pirates FC ended their two-week pre-season tour in Spain with a 1-0 defeat to Saudi side NEOM at Estepona Football Center on Friday. The loss capped a mixed tour that saw the Soweto giants secure two wins, two defeats and a draw.

The Buccaneers started brightly but conceded the opener in the 31st minute when a free kick deep in their half was converted by former West Ham forward Saïd Benrahma. Orlando Pirates pushed hard for an equalizer but failed to trouble the NEOM goalkeeper, with chances from Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis going awry.

NEOM nearly doubled their lead after the break but Benrahma blazed wide from the edge of the box. The Falcons then frustrated the Pirates with a compact defense, denying Abdoulaye Mariko a last-gasp effort from long range. Orlando Pirates now return to South Africa to finalize preparations for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

Where did Orlando Pirates FC go wrong?

Orlando Pirates FC dominated possession and territory early but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. Tshepang Moremi’s chip sailed over the bar inside the opening two minutes, while Boitumelo Radiopane and Mbatha both blazed efforts wide in the first half.

The only goal conceded came from a set piece that the Bucs failed to clear, allowing Benrahma to fire home. Orlando Pirates then struggled to create clear chances, with Radiopane’s late half effort the closest they came. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side left Spain with more questions than answers ahead of the new season.

Key takeaways from the NEOM game

Saïd Benrahma’s 31st-minute strike settled the match after Orlando Pirates failed to clear a free kick from deep inside their own half. The Algerian’s composure under pressure exposed gaps in the Pirates backline.

Orlando Pirates’ attack lacked cohesion, with Moremi, Radiopane and Mbatha all coming close but failing to convert. Oswin Appollis forced a save from the NEOM keeper in stoppage time, but the Buccaneers lacked a clinical finisher.

Defensively, Orlando Pirates were solid in spells but vulnerable to set pieces. Their midfield struggled to transition quickly enough, allowing NEOM to settle into counter-attacks. The defeat leaves fans hoping the side can sharpen up before the Betway Premiership curtain-raiser.

What’s next for Orlando Pirates FC?

Orlando Pirates FC return to South Africa with just days to prepare for their Betway Premiership opener against Milford on Saturday, 1 August. The match will be the first competitive test of the 2026/27 season for the Soweto giants.

Abdeslam Ouaddou will look to tighten the defense and add cutting edge in attack during training this week. The side’s pre-season record of two wins, two defeats and a draw suggests they still have work to do before they can challenge for the Betway Premiership title.

With the transfer window still open, Orlando Pirates FC may yet add reinforcements before the Milford clash. The squad will need to hit the ground running if they are to start the season strongly.