Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained why he took off Iqraam Rayners at halftime against Orlando Pirates.
Stellies were reduced to ten men just after the half-hour mark after Thabo Moloisane was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.
Ismael Toure broke the deadlock for the Western Cape side on the stroke of half-time but Zakhele Lepasa levelled matters for Pirates on 66 minutes.
Read: Pirates snatch late winner at 10-man Stellies
Deon Hotto snatched the winner for the Buccaneers in stoppage time, which also gave them the advantage of two away goals.
"I think the scoreline as it was, we just felt that we weren't going to create many chances, unfortunately we have to make some decisions and 'Iqi' (Iqraam Rayners) is our main source of goals but we felt that because we'll have far few opportunities to get chances, the best approach would be not to concede an away goal," he said.
"And if we can go to Orlando with a 1-0 lead then it gives us a big chance, so that was the thinking behind the substitute.
"It worked partly but ja unfortunately just a one man short eventually cracks started opening up, spaces were found by them.
"And for them to then cross the ball and score, is even more difficult to handle because we were more worried about the inter-play on the floor which we negated but in (other) areas they were able to find space and get some crosses in which let to goals," he added.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
