Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed what left him profoundly disappointed following his side’s Carling Knockout Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Marumo Gallants via a penalty shootout.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes, with Gallants eventually progressing to the final via a 3-2 penalty shootout victory on Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
In the post-match press conference, Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte acknowledged a tactical shift in the final half-hour, opting for a more conservative approach. He explained that his players looked fatigued and believed their best chances of a win lay in a penalty shootout.
As Gallants retreated into a defensive shell, Arrows dominated the game, holding the ball for longer periods. Abafana Be’sthende held 77% of the ball and registered six shots on target, while Gallants failed to produce a single effort at goal during that period.
Mngqithi did not hide his disappointment with the final result, frankly admitting that his side ultimately fell into the strategic trap laid by their opponents.
“I don’t think I have ever seen a team create so many chances in 15 minutes, but at the end of the day, they came with a strategy,” Mngqithi lamented. “They knew [Washington] Arubi is very strong on penalties. They came with a strategy to try and mitigate the pain by making sure they don’t concede.”
MNGITHI’S IMPRESSION OF GALLANTS’ TACTICS
Gallants goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, has built a reputation as one of the most reliable penalty stoppers in the PSL. He singlehandedly dumped Mamelodi Sundowns out of the competition, saving three penalties when the two sides met in the first round.
However, Mngqithi still hoped that Gallants’ strategy would backfire, trusting his troops to walk away victorious on penalties.
“But I was still optimistic that, based on what they think might be their strength, maybe that is where they might have still even lost the game because for me, being that negative in a football match and hoping to win on penalties never really works sometimes,” he asserted.
The former Sundowns coach did not hold back in criticising Gallants’ defensive tactics. He suggested that it’s a strategy that could be unsustainable in the long run.
“I think that will backfire one day because I don’t think they applied themselves, and the summary of it is that they are in the final. I am not impressed with their football, but they are in the final,” added the tactician.
Throughout the season, Mngqithi’s troops have received praise for their attacking and entertaining style of play. However, their dynamic approach was not enough to secure a victory on the day.
He concluded with a poignant remark that summed up his sentiments. “Impressed with my football, and not in the final. That’s football for you.”
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