MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (0) 1
Matuludi (OG) 110’
POLOKWANE CITY 0
Manqoba Mngqithi’s era as Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach got off to a flyer last night as he won his first game in charge to help the team to reach the MTN8 semi-final.
Having needed extra-time to seal their progress, it would appear as though this match was a full-blown contest. Far from it. Even when Sundowns went one man down after Denis Onyango’s late red card in regulation time, they continued to dominate, while their only shortcoming was in front of goal.
Mngqithi ought to be proud of his team’s performance, especially given the uncertainty that hung over his new era following his promotion amid the sacking of Rulani Mokwena. And having worked as an assistant to Pitso Mosimane, and both as a co-coach and assistant to Mokwena, Mngqithi will be eager to make his own mark at the club.
Mngqithi, who also made a name for himself in the competition after winning it with Golden Arrows in 2009, will be hoping that he can go all the way in the cup once again. After all, he has no excuse not to. The club bolstered his backroom staff, signing Steve Komphela and Romain Folz, who are the senior coach and assistant, respectively.
This victory will perhaps be bittersweet for Mnqithi, too, as it came against his protégé Phuti Mohape, who did well to guide Rise and Shine to a top-eight finish last season.
Mnqgithi might have worked closely with Mokwena for years, and while he said he wouldn’t tweak their system a lot, he wanted his team to play attacking and fast football. And boy, the 53-year-old put his money where his mouth is in his first game in charge of the team last night – Sundowns were quick in turnovers and on transition.
The hosts were unfortunate not to have broken the deadlock by half-time as they had created the most chances and dominated possession.
Lucas Ribeiro was the danger man for the Brazilians as he looked the part as the team’s new No 10 after the departure of Gaston Sirino, who’s joined Kaizer Chiefs.
Ribeiro should have cemented his first-half performance with a goal as his overhead kick was palmed over the crossbar by Manuel Sapunga. The Brazilians’ rotation of the ball was also appealing on the eye, with Aubrey Modiba, who was playing in an advanced position, hardly looking out of place.
The new era could have got off to a flyer for Sundowns’ striker Peter Shalulile, who blew hot and cold last season. He could have easily grabbed a first half hat-trick. Shalulile was unlucky, though, as he hit the woodwork twice after being set up by Terrence Mashego and Tashreeq Matthews.
The Namibian was also unlucky not to break the deadlock five minutes before the break as he connected well with Teboho Mokoena’s cross, only for his header to sail wide of the target.
Sundowns were solid in defence, as Onyango, who was standing in for the injured No 1 Ronwen Williams, saved Hlayisi Chauke and Cole Alexander’s goal-bound efforts.
Oswin Appollis, who is reportedly bound for Algeria, made a cameo appearance from the bench for Arrows and became a thorn in the flesh of the Sundowns defence.
The equally speedy Chauke broke free late in regulation time before going one-one-one with Onyango, who handled outside the box.
Referee Eugene Mdluli didn’t hesitate to show Onyango a red card and award Polokwane a free-kick. Onyango was replaced by defender Mosa Lebusa before Jody February made his cameo during extra-time.
In the end, though, Lady Luck smiled on Sundowns during the first half of extra-time as Thabang Matuludi conceded an own goal.