Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has urged the club’s fans to remain calm following their 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

Fawaaz Basadien scored the winning goal for Stellies in the second half after a controversial penalty was awarded. Despite the loss, Sundowns had chances to score but were denied by excellent saves from Sage Stephens.

Teboho Mokoena’s shot hitting the crossbar gave Mngqithi hope for the second leg, which will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. Stellenbosch is playing their home games in Durban for now due to the unavailability of venues in Cape Town.

Mngqithi admitted that Sundowns made it difficult for themselves by not playing up to their potential in the first half. He praised the team’s improved performance in the second half but emphasized that the game is far from over. “I think we made it difficult for ourself,” said Mnqgithi on SuperSport TV after the game. 

“Because we started to see the team that we would like to see immediately after we conceded, the speed of the ball was faster, we were already looking at probing as much as possible and we created opportunities. 

“But unfortunately, when you don’t take your opportunities inside the box, you get punished with a penalty like this one. But, the truth of the matter is, the first half, we did not control the game very well and I think we were little bit scattered.”  

Sundowns, to reach the semi-final, were not convincing as they progressed via an own goal during the extra time against Polokwane City in the quarter finals.  

“When we improved in the second half, we brought the fullbacks closer to try and assist in our build-ups and I think we started to look better as we penetrated better in our build up,” he added. 

“But it is still the first half of the game.”