Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first loss of the season in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, in a 1-0 thriller against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
In the early minutes of the first stanza, goalkeeper, Jody February was tested and called into action a few times, but he was able to block the attempts. This forced Masandawana to retaliate shortly after, through Terrence Mashego but his attempt went over the bar.
Both sides battled for possession throughout the first half and created chances but there were no clear-cut ones, leaving them to go to the break deadlocked with no goals.
The second stanza saw the Brazilians assert dominance, posing a few threats on goal, which were however, not fruitful. The Western Cape-based side was however the side to draw first blood on the hour mark after the referee pointed to the spot, following a tackle inside the box.
Shortly after the penalty shot by the visitors, the hosts posed a few threats as they looked to get an equaliser, especially in the final minutes of the match. Even with the close opportunities to have found an equaliser, Bafana Ba Style were unable to get a goal.
At the final whistle, coach Manqoba reviewed the game, saying: “I think we started a bit slow and Stellenbosch’s press was very aggressive, especially in the early stages. I think our full backs were not that much involved in the build-ups because they were too high sometimes. I think in the second half we tremendously improved that. We started coming out a lot from our build-ups and the speed of play was much better because I think that was my other big concern at half-time.”
“We created opportunities that could have easily given us the game but unfortunately, we committed very silly errors because I think if you look where the penalty comes from, we had a free-kick, and I think we were five around the ball. We tried what I think was a very unproductive combination play, because there was no clarity on what we were trying to do. The fact that the Stellenbosch goalkeeper was man of the match proves that we did our part,” he added.
Masandawana head to the second leg of the semi-final one goal down and will look to turn things around at the weekend in Durban.
How we lined up: February, Kekana, Mokoena, Lebusa, Mudau, Modiba, Allende, Mashego, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Matthews.
Subs: Pieterse, Aubaas, Morena, Tiwani, Mkhulise, Maboe, Zwane, Letlhaku, Sales.
We must start the second leg the way finished the first one,it is unacceptable to only perform in the last ten minutes of the game,we have five substitutions to make hence we must always start our games like a house on fire.Just imagine where the level of education would if the teachers were saying we would only put more effort in the last term of the season or where would the economy of the country be if workers were only working hard after lunch time.I’m only saying this to dismiss the notion that it is only the beginning of the season.On Tuesday i watched Barca vs Vallecano,Barca were a goal down within the first ten minuets of the game but they managed to win that game with three 17 years old boys in the starting eleven.So we must play hungry players irrespective of their age.
I have to agree, we need to play hungry and passionate players including young ones like Kutlwano ,that boy is good.We certainly can not afford to play players who are not pulling their weight behind the new technical team and who think that they are better than the ones on the bench.At least if players loose they must do so having worked hard for everyone to see, not the below par oerformance against stellis.
Hard luck mabrazilians. I will always say there is no player bigger than sundowns or coach bigger than sundowns. Those who want to leave either player or coach they must please leave our beloved sundowns. I understand we are going through a forming stage but if we have humble people surely we’ll achieve our objective
What I hate most about Mngqithi is that he must not b a carbon copy of Rhulani Mokoena.He bought players & froze them on the bench.Kodisang,Kegan Johannes r not playing 4 the why?He also took very long 2 make a substitute again Allende,,Mathews Modiba were just passengers on the park bt Mngqithi ddnt identify that
I’m pleading with the coach to put his money where his mouth is,don,t be only good in the media but you must practice what you preach.You have raised our hopes with regard to youngsters,you have my 120% support in that regard.Be fearless because in football hard work and commitment win you games not big name players.We want to see Mabena,Letlhaku Khoza and Nkhosi becoming stars this season,if Barca can do it why not us?
Guys look like we want to start Team fresh because we avoid directly point Fleming mess up Sundowns why fixing if not broken now we blame player’s of favour team leader if team not getting results coaching to be blame nothing wrong by player’s these guys done wonderful on Mokoana Sundowns put reverse gear by giving second chance Manqoba watch the space shipments with poor captain sink
I agree that we must start using youngsters but we must introduce them gradually not all of them at once. We will be in the final and win this top 8 cup. KBY I remain.
Jaws Buda positive stuff I like the spirit and I’m of the opinion that all is not lost but let’s say we have 90 minutes to regroup and register a goal minding not to concede early.Again I’ll say it loudly I don’t like it when ppl have this obsession with Rhulani as if Rhulani won any local trophy 2 him it was always the same excuse give me 4 years I’ll bring Champions league &who said Sundowns need 4 years 2 win the champions league?My worry is with Mngqithi who’s mute and not shout instructions as if is a spectator and his late substitutions leaves a lot to be desired.
People we must stop blaming Fleming for things that we don’t know!! Rhulani if he was a good coach he could have taken us to the CLL but he failed dismal in that space!! Losing at home and away against Esperance was a hard pill to swallow for the management!! Losing twice against Orlando Pirates in the final was a disaster!! The team was in regression last season!! I don’t believe that Rhulani would have won anything this year!! I think the problem with Manqoba is that he wants to change drastically the way Sundowns plays!! The possession based philosophy of the team must not be changed!! You may twig here and there but this philosophy is the corner stone of the team’s success!!
Member, I appreciate the passion and concern expressed regarding our coaching situation. It’s important to remember that while we can critique past performances, we must also support our new coach and allow them the opportunity to implement their vision.However, I share the sentiment that drastic changes to our established playing philosophy could hinder our progress. The possession-based style has been the cornerstone of Sundowns’ success, and any significant shift may disrupt the team’s cohesion and performance. The last two games we played represented a different philosophy from Sundowns’ traditional playing style, which contributed to our struggles.We need to gradually phase in any changes rather than implement them all at once. This approach will not only foster team stability but also maintain the support of our dedicated fans.Let’s rally behind our new coach and trust in their ability to navigate this transition thoughtfully. Coach Manqoba, please dont try and prove something to us by wantint to chabge everything…please