Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates are in fine form, but they need to keep their heads down and work hard to progress further in the CAF Champions League, according to Buccaneers coach Roger de Sa.
Pirates reached the last 16 of the continental club competition with a 2-1 win over Zambian champions Zanaco, for a 3-1 aggregate victory, at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
"The away goal was crucial for us, and I think we got a bit of a scare when it got to 1-1," De Sa said.
"After that we had control of the game throughout - a little bit similar to the game up in Zambia.
"We controlled the game, we put our foot on it and knocked it about and we looked good."
De Sa, however, was quick to point out his side would need to improve if they hoped to reach the last eight.
"We still have a lot of work to do, there's no doubt about it.
"If we're going to compete in Africa we have to improve still, but we're getting there."
Zanaco coach Keagan Mumba believed his side deserved a better result.
"Firstly, congratulations to Orlando Pirates, but I thought we played a better game," Mumba said.
"I'm sorry we had an injury to our central defender and I think that's where we collapsed."
Searching for a double breakthrough gave the visitors problems, according to Mumba.
"We needed to score two goals, the job was getting tougher and we allowed another silly goal.
"I don't think they worked for the goals that they scored. It was just a set piece and a shot from afar, but congratulations (to Pirates). We did our level best but I think it wasn't our day."
Pirates started the game well and were 1-0 up inside the first 20 minutes, with Khethowakhe Masuku netting a wonder strike.
The scores were levelled three minutes after the break when Musonda Mwape scored from a header as Pirates fell asleep on defence.
Mpho Makola sealed the aggregate victory from a perfectly taken free kick with 14 minutes left.
