Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi admits that they only have themselves to blame after only kicking into attacking gear late on in the game.
Masandawana suffered a shock 1-0 MTN8 first leg defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening via Fawaaz Basadien’s second half penalty.
The home side failed to convert their chances and were left to regret it after Stellies held on to claim a memorable win ahead of the second leg.
Mngqithi was not particularly happy with his side’s first half display as they looked very disjointed.
“We made it difficult for ourselves,” Manqoba told SuperSport TV after the match.
“Because we started to see the team that we would like to see immediately after we conceded. The speed of the ball was faster.
“We were looking to probe as much as possible and we created opportunities, but unfortunately when you don’t take your opportunities inside the box, you get punished with a penalty like this one.
“But the truth of the matter is, first half, we did not control the game very well. I think we were a little bit scattered.
“When we improved in the second half and we brought the centre-backs shorter to try and assist in our build-up, and I think we really started to look like we penetrated a little bit better from our build-ups, but it’s still the first half of the game. The second half it’s still gonna give us more,” he added.
Mngqithi further alluded that the loss has given his troops a wakeup call and that they will be a much better team in the return leg to come away with the positive result.
“Honestly speaking I think, it’s still a long way but we know we are Sundowns,” he added.
“We’re expected to get the results in every game we play, and I do believe we will get the results. And I do believe in the second round of the semifinals you’ll see a completely different team.
“We needed this [loss] as well probably as a wakeup call because when you keep winning and winning, even when you not done exceptionally well, it creates an impression that you will always win, or you’re entitled to win. And I think this is very good because it will give the team a very good wakeup call.
“And I’m very confident, we will do very well in the second round,” Mngqithi concluded.
The former Golden Arrows mentor will now look to motivate his charges to overcome the 1-0 deficit when they take the trip down to the Cape Winelands at the weekend for the second leg.
