Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi rues his side missed chances during their 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.

Stellies opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half through Junior Mendieta but Sundowns fought back and earned a point in the second half thanks to a second half strike by Lyle Lakay.

The draw sees Sundowns remain at the top of the DStv Premiership standings with 31 points while Stellies remain in fourth place with 22 points after 14 games.

“It was always going to be a very tough match, but I think we created better chances first half. We did not take those chances. We were playing against the wind, but I think we created better moments to win the game,” Mngqithi told SuperSport TV after the game.

“(Thabiso) Kutumela had a big chance, Grant (Kekana) unfortunately with that half-chance on the set-piece. We had a few good moments but credit must be given to them. They really ran, they really worked hard today.

“They really wanted it more. I think my boys were, they were caught up in the mode of chasing the game second half. After scoring the equaliser, I think we could not gain control of the game again.

“Then, we allowed the game to be too transitional and too quick. And when it is too quick it favours them because every time you make a mistake, you know you must be ready to defend against their speed against your defence but the weather conditions also didn’t help.

“The wind was too much and it made it very difficult to play patiently. The way you would want to play, but I knew it was not going to be easy against Stellenbosch.

“Even last time we stole it here. I think we created better chances first half, second half we didn’t really create much but we put a lot of pressure on them which was good but in terms of chances I think (it) could’ve been stolen first half,” Mngqithi further noted.

The Sundowns mentor went on to explain that Khuliso Mudau was replaced at half time after he picked up a hamstring injury late in the first half following his foul on Ashley Du Preez

“No, it’s because Mudau was feeling a little bit of a hamstring and we felt because of the intensity that was put in by Du Preez and (Stanley) Dimgba it was always going to come so we realised it is better for us to take him out because already he was not feeling good.

“But I don’t think it’s something serious at this stage, it’s just we had to be cautious at this stage of the season when you got so many games back-to-back.

“And I think Thapelo (Morena) came in and gave a very good account of himself. We could’ve done better honestly speaking. One would say, we could’ve taken all the three points but unfortunately, it was not to be,” he concluded.