Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso reflected on his team’s missed opportunities after they were held to a draw by Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership.
Despite taking an early lead at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium through Iqraam Rayners in the 28th minute, Sundowns were pegged back just seven minutes later when defender Keanu Cupido inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
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Cardoso’s side dominated possession of the ball and created more chances than their opponents but were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw.
The result left Downs in second place on the standings with 15 points from seven games and Gallants down in ninth with eight points from six games.
Reflecting on the encounter, the Brazilians boss hit out at the officiating of the tie as well as his team’s inability to find a second goal.
He said on SuperSport: “We saw Sundowns fighting for a result until the last minute, a lot of wasted time, not a lot of positivity in the approach regarding the game from the referees, but okay, it’s Sundowns trying to fight hard for a result.
“Not an easy match; stealing the front, we had to push our luck very high in the pitch. We were penalised by a mistake we made. I think we had a lot of chances to score, and when you don’t score your goals. Results like this can happen.
“But not a wonderful game, not that it hurt, and I think we should’ve had the result from here, that’s for sure.”
Cardoso added that his side were improved after the half-time break but they didn’t do enough to win the clash.
“I think we fought well, the energy we needed until the end; we made a very good second half in terms of capacity to fight against the adversity that was the goal that we suffered, I think in the mistake we made,” he said.
“But not enough, we didn’t score, and when you don’t score, you’re penalised, that’s it. But I think the boys tried hard until the end, so not much more to say regarding that.”