Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels Kaizer Chiefs received a legitimate penalty but questioned whether they should have received one too.
The DStv Premiership champions who received a Gaurd of Honour from the Soweto giants prior to the game at FNB Stadium played out to an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Aubrey Modiba opened the scoring for the visitors before Phathutshedzo Nange equalised and Keagan Dolly saw his late penalty and rebound saved by Reyaad Pieterse.
Mngqithi said Amakhosi ‘deserved not to lose’ after the game and hailed their improvements under coach interim coach Arthur Zwane.
“It’s been a long time since I last saw such an interesting match between Chiefs and Sundowns,” he said in the post-match press conference at FNB Stadium.
“[It was] a very good game of football, both teams willing to take risks at some times and exposed the defence, they set up good pressing traps in the first half and caused us some problems in midfield. Second half we were stronger with Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba causing them a few problems because they needed to overload which created more chances.
“Overall, it was a good game of football for spectators to watch, maybe a game that was short of goals and I also believe the penalty they got was legitimate in my opinion but I think we also deserved a penalty or freekick. I’m sure there was something with Peter [Shalulile] and Rama[hlwe Mphahlele], I’m sure there’s something there, also with Nange and Lebo.
“Those are moments that could have decided the game and also a big performance from Reyaad [Pieterse] to keep us in the game. Keagan is usually very good with penalties but I think he went where we all anticipated him to go.”
The Masandawana coach went on to detail the changes he’s seen in the tactical approach of Chiefs since the exit of Stuart Baxter, which he feels will bring supporters back to the stadium.
“They showed a lot of courage on the ball, not too many aimless long balls, only maybe from the goal kicks looking for [Leonardo] Castro to establish play from there.
“The last three or four matches I’ve been very impressed because they played the type of football that I can guarantee will easily bring supporters back to the stadium. A lot of passes, creativity and intricate play.
“Chiefs is always dangerous on transition but it’s not nice for a big team like Chiefs to rely on transitions and set-pieces only, there’s a lot that this team, which Arthur and Dillon are preparing, which makes this brand very interesting. But we did well too, had our moments and don’t you think we deserved a penalty?”
