Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed there are 'one or two players' who did not give enough effort in their CAF Champions League stalemate against DRC outfit Maniema Union.
Sundowns opened their Group B campaign with a disappointing goalless draw at Loftus Stadium, just three days after going down to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final. Mngqithi made six changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Malibongwe Khoza, Thapelo Morena, Divine Lunga, Erwin Saavedra, Kobamelo Kodisang and Arthur Sales.
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It was, however, a lacklustre performance from the 2016 champions, as they failed to rattle the back of the net.
"I think I would have issues with one or two players that I felt maybe did not give enough effort more than anything else. I think the rest of the players really pushed hard. I was very happy with our last line. I think they performed very well and the midfield, Tebza (Teboho Mokoena) dominated his space," Mngqithi said after the game.
"I was very impressed with Erwin (Saavedra). I think he is going to come and help us a lot. There were a lot of very good players. The players that maybe I would have issues are the players that I had question marks on the level of effort and intensity because I think that's where most of the mistakes would emanate from. But otherwise, the rest of the squad performed well. Had we taken our chances, we would not be talking of anything else."
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Dropping points on home soil in a group opener is not ideal, but Mngqithi said he is not pressing any panic buttons, as he believes Sundowns can win more matches away from home.
"To be straight forward, I think we have probably even more potential to win more matches away from home. I also see us winning some matches at home. At this stage, I have not pressed any panic buttons because I think it could have been catastrophic had we lost this match after having lost the final."
In the other Group B match, AS FAR beat Raja Casablanca 2-0 to go top of the group. Sundowns' next match will be in Morocco against AS FAR on December 7.
