Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has admitted that Mamelodi Sundowns’ clinical finishing played a decisive role in his side’s Carling Knockout Cup elimination on Tuesday evening at Loftus Versfeld.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit struggled to overcome the challenge posed by the defending champions, who capitalised on their opportunities to secure a victory and bring Golden Arrows’ cup campaign to an end.

Speaking after the encounter, Ncikazi acknowledged that Sundowns did not necessarily need numerous opportunities to make their impact, as their ability to convert a limited chance ultimately separated the two teams.

The Arrows coach expressed his disappointment with the outcome but refused to make excuses for the defeat. Instead, he accepted the result and emphasised the importance of returning to the drawing board to address the weaknesses exposed during the contest.

“They scored from their half-chance, but no ifs and buts, we go home, try and make the team better, that’s why we are coaches.”

His comments reflected his determination to focus on improvement rather than dwell on the disappointment of being knocked out of the competition. Ncikazi also recognised that matches at this level are often decided by small moments, particularly when facing an experienced and technically gifted side such as Sundowns.

For Golden Arrows, the defeat represents another opportunity to assess their performance and identify areas that require attention as they continue their campaign in other competitions.

The coach will now be expected to work with his players to improve their overall performance, particularly their ability to compete against stronger opposition and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns will be encouraged by their ability to progress in the Carling Knockout Cup, having demonstrated the importance of making opportunities count when it matters most.

Ncikazi’s reaction suggests that his immediate priority is not finding excuses for the elimination but ensuring that Golden Arrows learn from the experience and return stronger in their upcoming fixtures.

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