Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi felt his side were their own worst enemies, despite claiming all three points and the bragging rights against Tshwane rivals SuperSport United.

The Brazilians extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to 15 games following their 1-0 victory over SuperSport at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

A goal from Peter Shalulie proved to be the difference as Sundowns opened a 14-point lead at the top of the league standings with 37 points, while United dropped down to fifth place with 22 points after 15 matches.

“I think it was a very tough match, but I think to a certain extend we made it tough. We got some chances that we could have buried, but also credit must be given to them,” Mngqithi told SuperSport TV after the game.

“First three minutes of the game, they got a very good shot from zone 14 in front of our defence. In the same first minute second half, they also got a shot in that space.

“On set-pieces, they are always a big factor we knew that. A lot of crosses were brought into our box, but I think the boys fought very hard.

“We made it difficult for ourselves by not finishing the chances that we got because I think the anxiety started to creep in when we could not terminate our chances and from there we started making some silly mistakes technically in losing the ball.

“But I think the way we finished was even much better because we started pushing them a little bit higher with Mothobi’s (Mvala) introduction I think we became stronger and stronger in the midfield.

“Pitso also played very well Mkhulise. Unfortunately, we had to substitute him because we realised now it’s either set-pieces and all these crosses that are going to the box and we must bring a player like Ricardo Nascimento to assist us aerially.

“But overall, I think SuperSport gave a very good account of themselves. They really gave us a hard time. (Moses) Waiswa played very well, got some very good snapshots.

“(Thamsanqa) Gabuza was always handy and (Jamie) Webber (was) very instrumental in their attacking play. So one must just appreciate that we got the three points but the truth of the matter it was not an easy one,” he added.