Even if a counter-pressing team doesn't regain possession, there is still a good chance they can force the ball out of play or concede a free-kick.
Successful counter-pressing also stops the opposition launching counter-attacks, as the aggressive pressure can delay forward progress and even force the ball backwards. Even if a counter-pressing team doesn't regain possession, there is still a good chance they can force the ball out of play or concede a free-kick. These are both effective ways of delaying opposition progress.