Beganovic: How We Knocked Sundowns Out
TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic has revealed how his side managed to knock Mamelodi Sundowns out in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday.
The Rockets advanced to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup with a 2–0 victory over Sundowns, ending their dreams of lifting a domestic cup this season.
This is another opportunity for Galaxy to claim a second Nedbank Cup title, having first lifted the trophy in 2019 when they made history as the first second-tier side to win the competition.
Beganovic shared what played as an advantage for his side to manage to beat Sundowns, highlighting that the absence of Ronwen Williams gave his side an advantage, as they were able to press Sundowns high, knowing Dennis Onyango is not as comfortable on the ball as him.
“I expected at least five changes. And I saw before the game nine or ten with the goalkeeper,” said Beganovic.
“Only one player played his previous game, it’s number 10, Nuno Santos. I’m surprised because Sundowns it’s high quality players, but it’s not the same as having 10 or nine new players to play. And also, I’m happy when I see that Ronwen Williams is not on the goal to defend when he is on the goal.
“We realised we could press the last line because the keeper is not good with the legs like Williams,” Beganovic stated.
“When I saw their starting lineup, I decided to move to a middle block to high pressure sometimes because I had a feeling we could win the ball close to the box, and that’s how we scored.”
Beganovic added that he analysed Sundowns’ previous games against MC Alger and Orlando Pirates.
“I watched the last two games, against MC Alger and at FNB Stadium against Orlando Pirates. I saw 10 minutes before the match ended, players complained about cramping and injuries, so I expected to see changes, but not so many because it gave us more opportunities to press more and to have more possession.”
Galaxy will now focus on Betway Premiership duties, and they will play Siwelele at Free State Stadium on Saturday.
