By Benjamin Nyirenda
Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday qualified for the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League when they beat Sudanese side AL Merrikh 3-0 at the FNB Stadium, and despite the convincing win Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi said that he was not totally happy with the team’s performance mainly in the first half.
“In the first half I was not happy. We were not looking for possibilities to create more scoring chances and we had many back passes. We had a fight with Modiba, Kapinga and even Hashim Domingo as they were playing too many back passes. We would have had more shots at goal than just having ball possession. We would have more shots at goal and settle the game early, ” Mngqithi said.
The coach added that however his side had a better second half where they scored two goals.
” The second half was more decisive and much better than the first half. It was encouraging and we had more balls behind the defense which even saw us score the goals we did. But we know we could do better and kill the game earlier than wait for the 60th or 70th minute before we can kill off the game. But overall it was a very exciting performance and we are happy we have qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament,” Mngqithi said.
The coach added that as a team whenever they start competing in any tournament their aim is to that competition as they still have the chances to the DStv Premiership, the Nedbank Cup as well as the CAF Champions League.
” I would like to thank the players, the technical team, the management and everyone who is part of the team and has helped the team reach where we have reached right now in the CAF Champions League. We are working together as a team and the players have done very well for themselves and for the team, ” Mngqithi concluded.