Pirates relished underdog tag

Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates surprised many when they defeated Al Ahly 3-0 in a CAF Champions League Group Stage encounter on Sunday.

However, Orlando Pirates' official website reckons midfielder Oupa Manyisa sees it differently.

Ace as his affectionately known, says – despite Al Ahly’s pedigree in the continental showpiece – the team never allowed history to dictate what direction the match would take.

Prior to this encounter history said, Al Ahly are not only the defending champions but have also won the Champions League more times than any other club on the continent and have not been beaten at home in 23 matches (since 2002).

Manyisa and co. cared little about history when they stepped onto the pitch and went about the match the same way they have been approaching all Champions League encounters this year.

"Football is won on the playing field not off it," Manyisa said.

"We came into this match with the same mentality as in our match against TP Mazembe.

"The fact that we are representing South Africa and not only ourselves, means that we need to conduct ourselves in the best way possible and I believe we achieved just that."

"The score line isn’t a true reflection of the match….this was no walk in the park," he added.

"Our opposition were very difficult but fortunately we capitalised on the chances we created.

"We were underdogs going into this match and I guess that is what made it easier for us 0n the day.

"We were relaxed ahead of this match, the pressure was always going to be on the hosts," he concluded.

Orlando Pirates arrive back in the country on Tuesday.