Philani Khumalo struck in second-half stoppage time to put Arrows 3-2 ahead on the night and level the tie at 3-3 on aggregate. However, instead of immediately returning to the centre circle, several Arrows players ran towards the corner to celebrate.
The confusion continued after the final whistle, with some players seemingly unaware of the actual aggregate scoreline and the implications of the away-goal rule.
Dladla admitted that the situation frustrated him because the technical team had made sure the players understood the permutations before the match.
“We did discuss all the permutations before the game. We need to treat this game in isolation because we’re anticipating scenarios like this,” Dladla told SuperSport TV after the game.
He explained that Sundowns’ goals had given them the advantage because Arrows had scored only once away from home.
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Dladla said the bench immediately understood that another goal was required and attempted to push the players forward during the remaining minutes.
“Because we were concentrated on the bench, we knew that we needed another goal after that one,” he added.
“We were trying to tell them, let’s have more bodies up front. Let’s go to advanced areas.”
Despite the disappointment, Dladla praised his players for their overall performance, accepting that the result ultimately did not go their way.