South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns finally conceded two goals as the team lost 2-1 in Sunday’s first leg of the African Football League (AFL) against Waydad Casablanca at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca.
Prior to Sunday’s match, the team had remained not only un-beaten but had also not conceded a single goal.
But coach Rhulani Mokwena says he is not worried about the situation ahead of the November 12 return match in Pretoria and prefers to pick positives from the match.
“First of all, as a coach I take personal responsibility for the results we picked today. We lost our structure and were unlucky to concede the first goal. Regarding the second goal we failed to deal with a cross and were punished for it.
“However, having said that, there are plenty of positives we picked from the match and believe 100 percent that we are going to do better in the second leg,” he said.
Mokwena believes the away goal they scored on Sunday will make a difference in the return match at home.
“One of the positives we pick from the match is the away goal. It does make a difference and we hope to turn it to our advantage.
“Secondly, my players fought hard against a good opponent spurred on by passionate fans. We finished the match stronger and this is something very positive for us,” he said.
He admitted that his team was under too much pressure in the first half and this affected their form of play.
“The own goal was a bit unlucky but it came after we lost our structure and were playing deeper than we would have liked.”
He admitted that the substitution of Thapelo Maseko due to injury interfered with their plans though he believes Waydad captain Yahya Jabrane should have been sent off for handling the ball leading to Sundown’s penalty.
“After we conceded the first goal, we resorted to long balls to find penetration and when I look at it, it should have been a red card for Jebrane who stopped a goal scoring opportunity.
“However, I don’t like complaining about referees but the fact is that would have made a big difference in the macth.”
