Manqoba Mngqithi rues missed chances as Sundowns progress via own goal

The Brazilians had to rely on an own goal from defender Thabang Matuludi during extra time to book their spot in the MTN8 semifinals, where they will now face Stellenbosch FC over two legs later this month.

Mngqithi was adamant Downs laboured due to being blunt upfront.

"To be honest I think we had a very good start in the game, created a lot of chances in the first 30 minutes probably created more than 17 good chances but unfortunately when you don't take those chances, you hit the upright twice. I think Peter's [Shalulile] header was just short of direction but everything else was good," Mngqithi said.

"When you don't score then you start to panic, you start to develop an element of anxiety. Second half we kept pushing again, unfortunately, even there, there were some moments we could have capitilised on.

“I think Mshishi [Themba Zwane] could have scored, I think Maseko [Thapelo] could have done something. There are many moments that we created chances but not as clear as the first half ones."

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The Sundowns mentor, in his first game in charge since Rulani Mokwena’s departure, felt some of the players were anxious to impress.

"The objective was always, one, we wanted to get through to the semifinals and that has been achieved but you are also right that the first match of the season will always have some elements of anxiety,” he added.

“Some elements of desperation and maybe sometimes even more caused by the level of motivation of wanting to try and make sure that you don't disappoint the coach when he gives you an opportunity.

“I think that's where some of the mistakes bordered around because I think some of the players did not perform at the level that I expected because they made some silly mistakes, technically and they started to lose the momentum of the game but I'm very happy that we are through to the next round."