Head coach Molefi Ntseki dismisses the notion that Mamelodi Sundowns "outplayed" Kaizer Chiefs following a 1-1 draw during their MTN8 semi-final clash on the weekend.
Amakhosi were held to a 1-1 draw by Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday thanks to a later equaliser by Khuliso Mudau after Edson Castillo had put the home side ahead.
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Alarmingly for the Amakhosi faithful, Sundowns enjoyed 73% of overall possession during the 90 minutes, while Chiefs saw just 27% possession of the ball.
Additionally, the Brazilians took 21 shots at goal, with six landing on target, while Chiefs took four shots at goal and landed just one on target.
"In the first half the plan was never to give them (Sundowns) possession," Ntseki said.
"When you talk of [Chiefs] being out-classed and being out-played, I think it was just possession, possession that did not hurt us that much.
"I think in the first half, as much as they had more possession, they only had two shots at goal and as much as we did not have shots on goals which was a very big concern.
Kaizer Chiefs land the first blow! ??Edson Castillo lights up FNB Stadium with a stunning header ???? Stream #MTN8 live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/RRct1Fqng7
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) September 2, 2023
"But when you look at the turnovers - we had so many turnovers that we were able to hurt Sundowns going forward but we were rushing those moments.
"When we were to give a second pass or a second touch we were rushing going forward so I think that also created a bit of a lack of confidence in our players.
"Obviously, we were fully aware they [Sundowns] come with a block possession, they press as a block out of possession but obviously the weaknesses will always be on the sides and the plan was to have quick combinations after regaining possession and also changing the point of attack.
"I think the biggest challenge was us, whenever we regain possession, not having those options or not playing in those options instead we wanted to dribble through wanted to carry the ball and as a result we're giving the possession away again.
With the FIFA international break, the Soweto Giants return to competitive action on 16 September when they host Royal AM at FNB Stadium.
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