Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena admits it was difficult to play against a team like the University of Pretoria, especially if you do not take your chances in the final third.

Sundowns advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after they secured a 4-3 win in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 after Delano Abrahams cancelled out Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s opener at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

The Brazilians were now scheduled to face an in-form. Stellenbosch FC side when they two side’s square off in the last four of the competition for a place in the final.

Mokwena admitted they struggled to play their own style of football against AmaTuks but felt like his side did not make the most of their chances in the final third.

“It was like going to the dentist, so difficult they play one-on-one, they load the box, throw-ins, lateral free-kicks, goal-kicks, everything is in the box, so tough. But why did we even go to penalties in this game?” Mokwena told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I mean first 15 minutes should be 3-0, 4-0 and then we even had more chances in the second half and we were a little bit unlucky also with [Thembinkosi] Lorch’s last-minute chance but I’m happy for the boys, happy for the team, congratulations Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Commiserations to Tuks, they’ve had a good run in the competition and they are a very difficult team, so difficult to play against, wish them everything of the best for the rest of the season.”

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