Jose Riveiro content with away point in CAF Champions League

Playing at Stade Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan, it looked like Pirates were going to cruise to victory after Evidence Makgopa scored from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. 

READ: Orlando Pirates pegged back to take a point in Ivory Coast

With group rivals Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad not playing this weekend, Riveiro is content to be occupying top spot for the time being.

"Well, it's a point and that point gives us the opportunity to be leading the group right now, with three games still to play in the group, so I think it's plenty of opportunities still for other teams involved," said Riveiro.

"We came here with the intention to get maximum points, but there's also an opponent doing many things very well."

Pirates could have easily wrapped up the tie in the first half, but squandered numerous scoring opportunities, including a one-on-one from Makgopa. 

The hosts came back strongly in the second half to find the equaliser in the 54th minute, resulting in a tense and nervy final 35 minutes.

"If I think about the amount of opportunities we didn't use, especially in the first 20-25 minutes of the game, maybe it's something that makes me feel a little bit disappointed with the result," he added.

"But if I think of the overall performance, and also the effort of our opponent today in really difficult circumstances to play football, well. like I said, we're not fully happy with a point but it's a point away from home, and everything is still in our hands."

ALSO READ: Ex-Pirates defender to join AmaZulu on a free transfer