Tembo bemoans two factors in derby defeat

Cape Town - SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has lamented his side's poor start in the 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Tshwane derby on Sunday afternoon.

Themba Zwane gave the Brazilians a 32nd minute lead with Dean Furman equalising from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. But Thapelo Morena popped up in the 64th minute to give Pitso Mosimane's side all three points.

It is often said that offense is the best form of defence and Tembo criticised his side for not putting the Sundowns' rearguard under enough pressure, which allowed them to build up their attacks from the back with ease.

The Matsatsantsa mentor believes there was too much sideways passing on display from his side, while their option-taking in the final third left much to be desired.

"Look I think there were two things, the first one we didn't have a good start, we were negative especially in possession, we never really wanted to go forward, to give them a little bit of problems defensively," Tembo told SuperSport TV after the match.

"So they were very comfortable, especially their centre-backs, they could build-up from the back because there's wasn't really pressure.

"And whenever we went forward, I think the final decision was bad, we chose the wrong options and it's either we rushed and the second thing was that our pressing wasn't good," he went on.

"Defending the cross because they scored from two crosses, the first one I thought it was offside I'm not so sure about that but I think it was offside. Nevertheless, we didn't defend well.

"The second goal, we didn't defend well as well, not stopping the cross and not defending the cross, that's how they scored, that's how the game was won. But I think we became a little bit brave especially when we brought in [Ghampani Lungu] and [Thamsanqa] Gabuza. We were a little bit adventurous, we gave them problems a little bit.

"It's disappointing to drop the three points, we wanted the points badly, especially at this time of the season but still we have to credit the players, they kept on fighting, they went a little bit hard and we'll keep on fighting until the end."

- TeamTalk Media