Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he is disappointed to have seen his side’s winning run come to an end over the weekend, while adding that they deserved to win the game.
The Brazilians were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Black Leopards in the DStv Premiership at the weekend. However, they remain four points clear at the top of the standings. They also have two games in hand compared to others and that all but shows how well they have dominated this season.
Prior to the game against bottom of the league side Black Leopards, many expected it would end as a ‘walkover’, with the Brazilians facing the worst side of the current campaign so far. However, it didn’t go as planned.
Having taken the lead via defender Mosa Lebusa, the advantage was cancelled out in the second half by Rodrick Kabwe. Sundowns pushed for the winner late on but resolute defending from the away side was able to earn Leopards what could be a crucial point.
Reflecting on that result, Mngqithi did not hide his disappointment. He said: “I must say that the intensity of the game was not what we are used to. Maybe we have played many games. It is very unfortunate for us not to win the game. To be honest, as much as they got a point, they never made any threat in our box. We have to take this on the chin and move on” Mngqithi was quoted on the club’s website.
The coach also added that he was stern with the players at half time and even gave them a talking down. However, it was no enough to see them win their 11th game in a row.
“We got chances from breaks and I feel we should have capitalised but we did not take those chances. Even at half-time, we had a big fight because we seemed like a team that thinks we have already won the match,” added Mngqithi.
“I am never at ease with a one-nil lead more especially against a side that plays counter-attacking football. I have said it during the week that throughout the world, it is very possible for a team in the bottom to take points from a side on top.”
Sundowns will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Al-Hilal in the 5th matchday of the CAF Champions League after the international break.