Miguel Cardoso puzzled by Mamelodi Sundowns’ draw against Gallants

It was not totally clear what Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso meant after his side’s draw to Marumo Gallants on Wednesday evening, but he was certainly left frustrated.

In their third Betway Premiership draw after seven matches, Cardoso’s side had to settle for a 1-1 scoreline at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.

Sundowns dominated all important aspects of the away game, including shots at goal and enjoyed 72% possession.

However, Iqraam Rayners’ 28th-minute opener was quickly cancelled out just seven minutes later by Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido’s own goal.

Sundowns’ Late Push and Missed Opportunities Lead to Frustrating Draw

“We saw Sundowns fighting for a result until the last minute, a lot of wasted time, not a lot of positivity in the approach regarding the game from the referees, but okay, it’s Sundowns trying to fight hard for a result,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.

“Not an easy match; stealing the front, we had to push our luck very high in the pitch. We were penalised by a mistake we made. I think we had a lot of chances to score, and when you don’t score your goals … Results like this can happen.

“But not a wonderful game, not that it hurt, and I think we should’ve had the result from here, that’s for sure.”

Cardoso Praises Sundowns’ Second Half Effort Despite Elusive Victory

Though Cardoso was pleased by the performance of his troops in the second half, the winner continued to elude Sundowns.

“I think we fought well, the energy we needed until the end; we made a very good second half in terms of capacity to fight against the adversity that was the goal that we suffered, I think in the mistake we made.

“But not enough, we didn’t score, and when you don’t score, you’re penalised, that’s it. But I think the boys tried hard until the end, so not much more to say regarding that."

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport