Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has identified the faults in Mamelodi Sundowns’ approach in the latter stages of their CAF Champions League clash last Saturday, stating it practically handed them the victory in the tie.
The Brazilians were in search of a way back into the tie after they lost 2-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal fixture in Cairo, but changes made by the technical team towards the end of the game in Pretoria were criticized by Mosimane.
“I don’t want to sound boastful or be dismantling teams, Mamelodi Sundowns, by showing where I think they went wrong or right,” he told journalists after the 3-1 aggregate score at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
“But for me, when Themba Zwane goes out and (Gaston) Sirino goes out and Thapelo (Morena) goes out – those are the problem people. You could see in the first half, with the interplays and all that. But when you bring in a different personnel, then of course you have to cross the ball. When you do that, I have big boys there and a big goalkeeper. I was happy with that.”
Mosimane also referred to the introduction of lanky striker Mauricio Affonso, who is a strong lanky forward but failed to get the needed service in order to make an impact.
“I knew Lyle (Lakay) and (Khuliso) Mudau will cross. That’s what I wanted. And for me that was the best thing to happen to us. But I don’t want to talk too much.”
Mosimane also expressed his delight at seeing Zwane, the reigning Footballer of the Season, subbed off at the time Downs were desperately looking for a way back into the game.
Sundowns were not as bad as it might have looked but their undoing in the first leg was the start of their problems. A win or even a draw in the first leg would have changed the complexion of things. The 1-1 result in the second leg on their home turf easily showed that Al Ahly were there for the taking and could have been beaten on another day.
Hopefully, the Brazilians can channel the disappointment from the heartbreak to perhaps advance further in the continental showpiece next season.