The Mamelodi Sundowns coach explained what made him worried in the MTN8 quarter-final clash
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed his frustration at watching his side create several chances but fail to take them against Polokwane City.
Sundowns needed an own goal to beat Polokwane in the MTN8 quarter-final in a game when their opponents put up a spirited defensive display.
The Brazilians hogged possession and played more in their opponents’ half but could not get their way past the Polokwane backline, forcing the game into extra time, where Thabang Matuludi scored an own goal to save Mngqithi’ men the blushes.
Should the toothless display worry Sundowns fans?
“We made it very difficult for ourselves, we had a very good first half where we created eight or seven good chances and when we could not take those chances, it got scary because you know when you don’t take your chances in a cup match, they can only get one and punish you,” he said.
“Dennis [Onyango] had to take one for the team and we had to restructure and make our life even more difficult but in the end, we won because I believe we deserved to win.
“I was happy with the chances and that we played more in the opposition half, we just need to be clinical.”
Stellenbosch will give the Brazilians a great test
Sundowns ended the match with 10 men when veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango was sent off for handling the ball outside the box as he tried to close in on Hlayisi Chauke to prevent him from scoring against the run of play.
The Brazilians will face Stellenbosch FC in the semi-final and will need to improve if they have to seal a place in the final for a second successive season.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates will play Cape Town City in the other semi-final although dates and venues have not been confirmed.
