By Katlego Sekhu
Reigning PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat of the season last night courtesy of Amazulu. Prior to their loss, the team from Pretoria had gone on a 17-game unbeaten run.
In the thrilling match, Sundowns had many chances from the onset which they wasted while Amazulu looked threatening on the counter.
Amazulu coach Benni McCarthy looked a frustrated figure on the touchline.
While Sundowns dominated the game, Usuthu absorbed the pressure well and broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through substitute Mulenga who came on for Bongi Ntuli.
Post match interviews
Speaking after the game, Benni McCarthy applauded his team for showing resilience against the best team in the league.
“We were made to work exceptionally hard so I’ve go to give the players for showing bravery. We knew it was going to be a game that we weren’t going to dominate. We were up against the masters in the league for keeping the ball and moving teams around.
“The objective for us was to block the middle part and allow them to go wide. It was just that final part that let us down in the game,” said the coach in part.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Manqoba Mgqithi was not impressed with the performance of his team.
“It was one of those games where I was never really impressed with our play. I don’t think we were incisive enough.
“There were many instances when we got the ball in a nice diagonal space and we lost possession immediately instead of progressing our attack.
“And the goal that we conceded was merely an outcome of poor defense,” said Mngqithi.
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