Counter-attack
Pirates’ high-pressing and fast-paced attack in the first leg seemed to have played into Etoile du Sahel’s favour, as they sat back and aimed to hit the hosts on the counter-attack. In the away leg, Bucs can learn from this and may want to adopt a similar strategy in defence, which will allow them to use their pace in attack and possibly catch Etoile on the break.
Diving into tackles
Pressing doesn’t necessarily require a defender to go into a tackle. Pirates were caught out on a number of occasions, where defenders committed into the challenge but failed to win the ball and conceded unnecessary free-kicks. It is worth noting the influence the home supporters can have on the referee, and with Etoile’s protesting witnessed at Orlando Stadium, the fans in Sousse could have a major influence on the referee’s decisions against mistimed tackles.
Mark space not the man
In defence, Pirates did well in the latter stages of the match when they dropped back in numbers and kept a near perfect shape, leaving Etoile with no options except to pass sideways or shoot from range. In the first half, the visitors enjoyed plenty of space in attack as Pirates’ man-marking allowed easier player movement. In the away leg, Eric Tinkler’s side can do well if they keep their defensive shape and block Etoile from sucking players out of the midfield and back-line.
Concentration in critical phase
The opening 15-20 minutes of the match, as well as the last five minutes of the first half, the first five minutes of the second half, and the final 10 minutes of the match are known as ‘critical phases’. A lapse in concentration in the final five minutes cost Pirates an extremely valuable win and clean sheet at home, after they failed to clear their lines from an Etoile set-piece. It will be important for Pirates to maintain focus and discipline for the full 90 minutes in Sousse, as they cannot afford to concede.
Half-chances
Pirates were dominant in the first half, and did well to create a number of half-chances inside the Etoile 18-yard area. However, decision-making and composure let them down – particularly when Thabo Matlaba got in the way of Thamsanqa Gabuza in the first half, as well as Mpho Makola’s decision to cut inside rather than pass, cross or shoot in the second half. Bucs failed to press home the advantage when they had Etoile wavering around the 55-70 minute period in the game, where a second goal would have really knocked the visitors back. Etoile’s goalkeeper needs to be tested more in the second leg, and half-chances need to be utilised more efficiently as Pirates aim to secure an away goal in Sousse.
