Where did Sekhukhune go wrong against Sundowns? ‘We fell asleep’

Sekhukhune United thought they had done enough to claim a point against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday in the Premier Soccer League, only to be undone in the stoppages.

The defending champions scored in the first four minutes of added time thanks to Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon to open a three-point gap between them and second-placed Orlando Pirates, who will be in action this weekend.

A draw could have taken Babina Noko to third on the table with 27 points, but late goals conceded mean they remain fifth with 26 points. Kaizer Chiefs are third with a point more, the same with fourth-placed AmaZulu.

Coach Eric Tinkler has now explained how his team’s mistakes cost them at least a point.

Where did Sekhukhune United go wrong?

“Well, the substitutions [is where we got it wrong], simple as that. I think ultimately, I feel for the guys because the players that started the game did exceptionally well for 90 minutes, and in one minute of the additional time, we fell asleep, especially on our left-hand side,” the former Orlando Pirates tactician stated.

“We needed to put pressure on the ball, but we didn’t, and we got punished. But that’s the quality that Sundowns possesses; you know, let’s be honest with ourselves.

“You’re not playing against any other team; you’re playing against a high-quality team in Mamelodi Sundowns. The players coming off the bench are exceptional footballers. So, I have to congratulate them because they managed to get the goals in the 91st minute.

“As I said, I feel for the guys who played for 90 minutes because they worked extremely hard, and I’m very proud of them,” Tinkler concluded.