Orlando Pirates vs NEOM

NEOM started brightly and nearly capitalised on an early defensive mix-up, but the decisive moment arrived in the 31st minute. Benrahma stepped up to a free-kick from the left edge of the area and curled a low strike with his right foot that beat Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine at his near post.

The Pirates responded before half-time through Tshepang Moremi, whose effort cleared the crossbar. After the break, substitute Boitumelo Radiopane came closest to an equaliser, collecting the ball in the box and firing a first-time strike that flashed just wide of the far post.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced Evidence Makgopa, Sbangani Zulu, Camren Dansin and Abdoulaye Mariko in the second half as the Pirates pushed for a leveller, but NEOM defended resolutely to hold on for the win.

Benrahma's free-kick in the 31st minute — the only shot on target that mattered. The Algerian international, who joined NEOM in a high-profile move, caught Chaine off guard with a low, swerving effort that slipped inside the near post. From that point, NEOM sat deep and absorbed pressure, denying the Pirates a clear sight of goal for the remainder of the match.

Saïd Benrahma — The match-winner with a single, lethal set-piece. His technique from the dead ball was the difference between two sides otherwise evenly matched in open play.

Sipho Chaine — The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper had little to do beyond picking the ball out of his net, but was steady in distribution and commanding on crosses throughout.

Boitumelo Radiopane — The young forward injected urgency after coming off the bench and came closest to rescuing a draw, but his first-time effort agonisingly missed the target.

The provider payload records only one goal (Benrahma 31') and zero cards, reflecting a clean but competitive friendly. With no yellow or red cards shown, both sides kept the game disciplined — unusual for a pre-season fixture that often sees rustiness translate into fouls. The single shot that found the net from a set-piece reinforces the script: an otherwise tight match decided by a moment of dead-ball quality.

Ouaddou told Vodacom Soccer that he was satisfied with the pre-season tour overall despite the defeat, stating that the side achieved their pre-season objectives during the Spanish camp. The Buccaneers return to South Africa to finalise preparations for the Betway Premiership season, which begins with a home fixture against newcomers Milford on 1 August 2026.

Orlando Pirates end their Spanish tour with two wins, one draw and two defeats from five friendlies, having faced Spanish sides Córdoba CF, Cádiz CF and UD Las Palmas, and Saudi clubs Al-Ittihad and NEOM. The focus now shifts entirely to the domestic season opener against Milford on 1 August.

For NEOM, the win is another statement of intent as the Saudi Pro League side continues to invest in established talent, with Benrahma's quality proving decisive.

A typical pre-season friendly: low on chances, high on physical work, decided by a single moment of quality. The result itself matters little — what counts is that Orlando Pirates emerge from their Spanish tour with competitive minutes in their legs and a clearer picture of their starting XI for the Premiership opener. Benrahma's free-kick was a reminder of the gulf in individual quality that money can buy, but for Ouaddou's side, the real test starts on 1 August.

Player of the Match: Saïd Benrahma (NEOM SC)

Key Moment: Benrahma's 31st-minute free-kick