Osaka — Mamelodi Sundowns lacked shrewdness and a killer instinct that can only be gained on this sort of global stage, their coach Pitso Mosimane said after his side’s 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to Kashima Antlers at the Fifa Club World Cup. Sundowns did not just boss the first half with characteristically beautiful passing football at the Suita City Football Stadium on Sunday, they owned it. However, poor finishing and not being streetwise at top international level cost Downs, as they let Antlers off the hook, then paid for it when the revitalised J-League champions came back with a vengeance in the second half. Clinical goals from Endo Yasushi in the 62nd minute and Mu Kanazaki in the 88th — profiting from an Antlers attack that clicked into pacey, precise gear from the break — killed the game off. "I must say it was a very good game. Yes, we are disappointed with the result. But if you ask me if I am unhappy with my team and the way they played — no, I’m not unhappy," Mosimane sai...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.