Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has explained what cost his side as he watched his game plan crumble in stoppage time on Tuesday night. A late lapse in focus paved the way for a 2-0 heartbreak against Mamelodi Sundowns at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Despite a disciplined defensive display for the bulk of the match, Babina Noko surrendered two goals in the dying minutes of the showdown, leaving Tinkler to rue a momentary loss of concentration.
The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until the Brazilians struck twice in the dying minutes of the game. Goals from Nuno Santos and Brayan León in the 91st and 94th minutes ensured Masandawana secured all three points, keeping their Betway Premiership title defence on track.
The victory also provided much-needed breathing room for under-fire coach Miguel Cardoso, whose position is on thin ice following a string of inconsistent results.
ERIC TINKLER ON LOSING TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN STOPPAGE TIME
Reflecting on the result, Tinkler praised his team’s effort but highlighted the thin margins that separate victory from defeat when facing the Betway Premiership reigning champions.
“Well, the substitutions [are where we got it wrong], simple as that. I think ultimately, I feel for the guys because the players that started the game did exceptionally well for 90 minutes, and in one minute of the additional time, we fell asleep, especially on our left-hand side,” Tinkler admitted.
The coach noted that failure to close down space proved fatal against a side with the depth of Sundowns. Tinkler went on to emphasise that he remains proud of the tactical discipline shown by his squad, even though they lost the game.
“We needed to put pressure on the ball, but we didn’t, and we got punished. But that’s the quality that Sundowns possesses; you know, let’s be honest with ourselves,” he added.
“You’re not playing against any other team; you’re playing against a high-quality team in Mamelodi Sundowns. The players coming off the bench are exceptional footballers. So, I have to congratulate them because they managed to get the goals in the 91st minute. As I said, I feel for the guys who played for 90 minutes because they worked extremely hard, and I’m very proud of them.”
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