Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mnqgithi has reacted to his side’s surprise defeat in the Carling Knockout final by Magesi FC.
Masandawana were the favourites in the tie and dominated proceedings from the kick off, with Iqraam Rayners scoring the opener in the 35th minute.
However, Magesi scored two second-half goals to stun Mngqithi and his team, with the coach lamenting his side’s decision-making in the match and admitting some key players didn’t step up in the important moments.
“I think we were just unfortunate. I think the universe have called it,” he told SuperSport TV.
“Because we did everything to try and win the match, we dominated the match, we were in confrontation with their box, we had a lot of shots at goal, and a lot of shots on target – Chipezeze did very well.
“There were a few moments where I thought maybe the decision-making in the final third where I thought it could’ve been a pass instead of a shot, or a shot instead of a pass, this small details.
“But the truth is, the boys played very well. They did everything what one wanted, but we made two critical mistakes – one, we knew we could not give Chirambadare this space and time because he’s got a very good left foot and he always puts balls in the box. And most of their balls are coming from Chirambadare, either from set-pieces or from open play. We knew we could not afford to give him time in the box.
“I’ve not seen the video of what happened in the box, but when you allow crosses against a team like this you’re inviting problems.
“The truth of the matter is, we did everything to win the match but unfortunately when you don’t take your chances and your decision-making is poor and we don’t defend very well in very critical moments – it was unfortunate that our best were the ones who could’ve saved the situation…
“Congratulations to Clinton, his game plan worked because they don’t create too many chances, but the few chances they create, I don’t remember them missing a chance and the few they got they took them in.”
