Mamelodi Sundowns often showed a lack of conviction in their MTN8 matches against Polokwane City and Stellenbosch but coach Manqoba Mngqithi says it is too early to start reaching for the panic button.
The Brazilians scraped past Polokwane City 1-0 in their quarterfinal and lost by the same margin to Stellenbosch in the first leg of the semifinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night, leaving their supporters unhappy.
Though they created good scoring chances and were often denied by Stellenbosch's brilliant goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who pulled off some stunning saves to earn the man-of-the-match award, Sundowns generally lacked conviction.
The advantage is firmly with Stellies as the 61st-minute penalty that was converted by in-demand defender Fawaaz Basadien gave them the away goal that may prove crucial in the second leg on Sunday.
Downs will have to regroup and fight to turn this result around when the two teams meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday in a bid to force their way into the final against the winner of the other semifinal between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, which is tantalisingly level at 1-1.
