Esprerance's Algerian defender Bouchniba Raed (L) kicks the ball away from Sundowns' South African defender Thapelo Morena (R) during the CAF Champions League second-leg semifinal football match between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisia's Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria Mamelodi Sundowns failed to deliver the goods in the Caf Champions League as they drew 0-0 with Maniema Union in their Group B encounter at Loftus Versfeld. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Fresh off their shock defeat in the Carling Knockout final over the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns failed to deliver the goods in the Caf Champions League as they drew 0-0 with Maniema Union in their Group B encounter at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, on Tuesday evening.
The result would have come as a bitter pill to swallow for Sundowns as they completely dominated their opponents.
Sundowns had 17 shots in total, compared to the eight of Maniema. The real dominance, though, was shown in the possession stakes, with Sundowns enjoying a whopping 77% of the ball. Sundowns also put together 672 passes to the 187 of the visitors.
The hosts also had 89% pass accuracy compared to the 64% of Maniema.
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi was not happy with some of his troops after the match.
“I think I would have issues with one or two players that I felt did not give enough – enough effort more than anything else,” Mngqithi told iDiski Times.
“I think the rest of the players really, really pushed very hard. I was really happy with our last line, they performed very well and our midfield.
“There were a lot of very good players. The players maybe I had an issue with, I had question marks on the level of effort because that’s where I think most of the mistakes would emanate from.
“The rest of the squad played very well. Had we taken our chances, we would not be talking of anything in this match to be honest.”
Next up for Sundowns is a Betway Premiership encounter against Sekhukhune United at Loftus on Saturday. Sundowns are three points behind Orlando Pirates after seven rounds of league clashes.
Kick-off is at 8pm.