Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has praised the club’s substitutes, including goalscorers Marcelo Allende and Abubeker Nasir for their role in the 2-0 win over SuperSport United.
Masandawana won the Tshwane derby on Sunday thanks to late goals by Marcelo Allende and Abubeker Nasir.
Mokwena explained that the technical team told the players to lure Matsatsantsa a bit out of their defensive formation to create more space.
“The message at half-time was for us to not be anxious,” he told SuperSport TV.
“We knew they will continue to have the five [at the back] but the five is determined by where our full-backs go.
“If you go a little bit higher then you allow [Onismor] Bhasera to be the fifth defender but if you go a little shallower, Thapelo and Mudau, then the movement from Thapelo [Morena] to see for the first goal, you bring him short and you look for the space behind.
“But it was a good performance, good energy, good commitment from our players and not an easy one but very, very good.”
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Mokwena also praised the club’s substitutes, including scorers Allende and Nasir, who have both now netted twice for their new club.
“Congratulations also to our subs, Marcelo Allende came in and did the job, Nasir came in and did the job, Mothobi [Mvala] was very good when he came on, also, Sipho Mbule helped us to gain more control.
“Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns, a well deserved victory.”
Downs completed the MTN8 semi-finalist and could face AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates. The draw will take place on Monday, 20:30.
