Late goal denies Sundowns victory
The Pretoria side had numerous clear-cut chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalise.
A late goal denied Mamelodi Sundowns victory against Baroka earlier this week.
The match, played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, finished 1-1 after Baroka Richard Mbulu scored a 95th minute equaliser.
Sundowns opened their scoring early in the second half through Lakay’s sublime free-kick. The away side had numerous clear-cut chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalise.
Eventually, the home side found an equalizer in the last minute to deny the Pretoria men all three points.
Downs coach Manqoba Mngqithi was not content with a draw and explain that his team deserved more.
“Very disappointing. A very tight game I must say, a game that could have been decided in set pieces. Lyle [Lakay] did very well to score the first, unfortunate with the second one.
“But credit must also be given to Baroka, I think they worked very hard, they were very hungry, they fought for every ball, but I think the team did enough to win the match, it was just unfortunate that at the end we ended up getting a draw,” he said.
Mngqithi also spoke about the nature of the pitch, and the lights since it was a night game.
“The boys gave a very good account of themselves, in a match that was played in a field that was not very good on the day and unfortunately also the lighting is not one of the best, but the game nonetheless had to continue, we did what we had to do.”
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Sundowns will now turn their eyes on the CAF Champions League where they face Sudanese giants Al Merrikh SC at the Al-Salam Stadium Cairo, followed by title-holders Al Ahly SC a week later.
“We will take a substantial number of players considering that we are playing two matches. Normally we take 25 players for one match, but this time around we will take a little bit more because we know there are Covid issues, the fact that we are playing two matches,” Mngqithi added
The Pretoria side remains on top of the DStv Premiership on 48 points from 21 games. Their closest rivals are Orlando Pirates who sit 18 points behind but have two games in hand.
Mamelodi Sundowns lock horns with Al Merrikh SC on Saturday, February 19 in Cairo.
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