Just less than three weeks after the Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the 2015-2016 South African ABSA Premiership title, they have crashed out of Africa’s second most elite club competition, the Confederation Cup.
This comes after Anthony Laffor’s club was defeated away at Ghanaian premier league club, Medeama Soccer Club.
The Sundowns had won 3-1 in the first leg at home and needed a draw or a win away to progress into the group stage of the competition. However, they failed to do so after being defeated 2-0 by Medeama at the Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium. Even though they were tied 3-3 on aggregate, Medeama scored more away goals, allowing them to proceed to the next stage.
Medeama took the lead in the 34th minute through Malik Akowush from the penalty spot and prevented the Sundowns from scoring as they went to the first half break with a 1-0 lead.
Sundowns forward Khama Billiat nearly equalized five minutes after the start of the second half, but he was denied by Medeama shot-stopper Muntari Tagoe.
As the Sundowns were in search of their much needed away goal, the situation got worse for the South African side as their goalkeeper Dennis Onyango was controversially sent off.
Medeama grabbed their second goal of the match in the 65th minute through striker Bernard Ofori and managed to contain the Sundowns in the remaining minutes.
Despite the defeat, Laffor believes his side was the better side during the match. He blamed the referees for poorly officiating the game.
“We played very well throughout the match,†Laffor told The Bush Chicken. “We were heavily cheated. The referee never stopped calling against us. He gave a cheap penalty and sent our goalkeeper out.â€
The Sundowns will now focus on their final league game against Platinum Stars at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Featured photo courtesy of Anthony Laffor
