Despite the painful exit from the MTN8 tournament, Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla expressed support for his team's tactical plan. On Sunday, junior Dion, the central defender for Lamontville Golden Arrows, scored a goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second consecutive game, but this was not enough to take the team out of KZN to the MTN8 final.
Coach Pitso Dladla was disappointed that the team's hopes for the MTN8 final were cut short by Mamelodi Sundowns' actions. Nevertheless, he noted many positive aspects of the game, which was built on a carefully thought-out tactical scheme.
In the match, the Arrows team led twice against Sundowns during the day, but ultimately lost 3-2. The aggregate score in the confrontation was 3-3, and the Brazilians advanced to the match against Orlando Pirates due to the away goals rule.
Game Assessment
For Dladla, the manner of play was almost as important as the result itself. He stated: 'I believe we played very well. We played according to the tactical plan we agreed upon with the players. We also knew that we could not compete with Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of ball possession, but we forced them to play in areas that, in our opinion, would not harm us.'
This plan worked for a long time, allowing Arrows to frustrate the African champions while finding opportunities on counterattacks to strike them. Dladla added: 'We also made good passes when we had the ball. We also created chances.'
The disappointment lay in the fact that Arrows conceded goals that, in their opinion, could have been avoided, especially considering how much they did right.
Consequences of the Away Goals Rule
The hardest moment was when Marcelo Allende scored a Sundowns goal with the score at 2-1 in the 77th minute. Dladla immediately understood what this meant: with an equal aggregate score, Sundowns' away goals gave them the advantage.
He admitted: 'We felt pressure because as soon as they scored the second goal, we realized that the away goals rule was playing in their favor.'
Nevertheless, Dladla emphasized that his players did not give up. 'They never gave up. They kept moving forward. That is their goal,' he said.
The result was particularly painful because Arrows managed to draw with one of the continent's best teams in two matches, but the dream of the first MTN8 final since 2009 vanished due to the minimal difference.
Dladla concluded: 'It is unpleasant, but what can be done? It is one of the things about the tournament. The final score was 3-3, but the away goal was decisive. That is why it is a shame for the players, not only because of such a game against any team, but against the African champions. We can only learn and grow from this game.'
Dladla is convinced that growth is already visible in his team's development. 'We are proud of these guys. What you see here on match day is what we do every day in training. How you play is how you train.'
Arrows must now recover quickly, as they will meet Sundowns again next Sunday in a Betway Premiership match at the King Zwelithini stadium.