Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso admits his side have only themselves to blame after dropping crucial points at home to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night, missing the chance to return to the top of the Betway Premiership table.
Masandawana looked on course for victory after Katlego Ntsabeleng handed them a 1-0 lead, but the visitors struck late when Tshegofatso Mabasa converted from a rebound after a penalty to rescue a draw.
While Cardoso raised concerns over certain officiating decisions, he was clear that Sundowns should have done more to secure the result.
“I think there are a lot of traps on our way up until the end of the season,” said Cardoso.
“I also just saw the situation from Tashreeq Matthews and I think if there was VAR, he would not have been offside, that’s for sure.
“As soon as Ronwen saved the penalty, the flag was up and then it went down. I don’t have explanations for that. I don’t want to comment too much on that, I can only complain that we should have done more to score the second goal that would’ve taken us out of trouble.”
Despite the setback, Cardoso dismissed any suggestion of complacency within his squad, insisting that the title race remains firmly in their control, especially with a game in hand over log leaders Orlando Pirates.
He also addressed the demands of a packed schedule heading into the final stretch of the season, stressing that squad depth alone does not guarantee results.
The dropped points could prove costly as Sundowns continue their pursuit of yet another league title, with every match now carrying added significance in a tightly contested race.