Manqoba Mngqithi admits Mamelodi Sundowns lacked a cutting edge in front of goal in their MTN8 semi-final second leg 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch.
Sundowns saw their cup hopes ended by the Cape Winelands club through a Lehlohonolo Mojela goal on 49 minutes for a 2-0 aggregate win.
READ: Stellenbosch see off Sundowns to set up final date with Orlando Pirates
Stellies will now face Orlando Pirates in the final after their 3-1 aggregate victory over Cape Town City.
Reflecting on the result, a disappointed Brazilians head coach explained that despite improving on their performance from the first leg, Sundowns were outdone by a “hungrier” Stellenbosch.
He told SuperSport: “I think the performance was better today but we were not clinical enough and ended up not finding shots on target even in moments where we were already in the last line and Aubrey Modiba was a bit unlucky on two occasions.
“We were stronger in the second half but even there, we didn’t create clear-cut chances. Credit must be given to them and I think they played very well. They were a bit hungrier than us.”
Mngqithi added: “Their low block helped them. I think our defence was much better today.
“I don’t think we were incisive enough in our decision-making. We didn’t give much in our final third but I still believe the performance was better than the first leg.”
Stellies will now compete in their second cup final in two seasons, after victory in the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
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— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 1, 2024
