Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund attributed the team's 1 - 2 defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows in a Premiership game at Loftus on Saturday to missed opportunities.

Speaking after the game, Igesund said he would try his best to change the attitude of the players and ring some new changes before their next league assignment.

The Brazilians will have to sharpen their attack and tighten the defence if they hope to enhance their chances of retaining the title.

"We had our opponents under pressure in the first phase as we dominated the midfield with ease, but lacked a killer instinct up front.

"After levelling matters at 1-1 in the second period, my defence went to sleep and allowed Arrows free passage into our danger area,'' said a fuming Igesund.

It was sweet revenge for the Durbanites who were bundled out of the lucrative Telkom Cup last month by the Pretoria boys. Arrows lost 3-0.

An excited Arrows' coach Manqoba Mngqithi believed they should have scored more goals, but luck eluded them.

"We were caught napping in the first half as Sundowns were on top of their game, especially in the midfield.

"Congratulations to my defence who soaked up incessant pressure. They later found their rhythm and dealt with their threatening moves,'' said the softspoken Mngqithi.

Veteran Godfrey Sapula was influential in the middle of the park as he fed his firing line with clinical passes.

But the likes of Peter Ndlovu, Brent Carelse continued to misfire.

The visitors took the initiative when Thabiso Gopane beat the Sundowns goalminder Brian Baloyi (1-0). Seven minutes into the second half Sundowns equalised, but their joy was shortlived when Vusimuzu Vilakazi slotted home the winner.