‘It feels like a loss’: Tinkler on draw against AmaZulu

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler was left frustrated after his team were held to a 2-2 DStv Premiership draw by AmaZulu at the weekend.

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Tinkler’s side had gone into the half time break leading 2-0 through Khanyisa Mayo and Darwin Gonzalez’ goals. But could not sustain their display in the second half.

Things went pear-shaped when City were reduced to 10 men with just over 20 minutes to the end.

Bongi Ntuli got Usuthu back in the game in the 76th minute and Augustine Kwem came off the bench to score the equaliser in added time. 

“This outcome is way, way worse than if we were easily beaten,” admitted Tinkler after the match at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. 

“I feel for the players because they worked their socks off, they applied the strategy exactly as planned. 

“It feels like a loss, it doesn’t feel like a draw. I feel like I lost this game and I think they feel the same way,” added Tinkler. 

City remained fifth in the Premiership standings after the result with 35 points after 25 games.

Tinkler rues missed chances

“This game is about collecting points. So obviously, I’m hurting inside. Because we threw away two points. 

“This should have been comfortably five, six (goals ahead). And then the game changes when you go down to 10 men. And that’s the disappointment,” he added.

Tinkler’s lads missed a few easy chances where they could have taken the game far beyond the reach of AmaZulu.

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But while disappointed, Tinkler said he would not fault his players for they put in a fight.  

“Our game plan and our strategy was exceptional, and how we applied it was really, really good. 

“I thought we looked more like ourselves, especially in our build up, playing through the phases. 

“And they couldn’t cope with us. They literally couldn’t cope with us.

“There were plenty of positives today, barring the finishing. The finishing has to be better. 

“At this level, the finishing has to be better, the final pass has to be better and taking that responsibility. That is key,” said Tinkler.

When City were reduced to 10 men, Tinkler tinkered with the team a little in an effort to stabilise and find balance.

“When you go down to 10 men, strategy changes. But you still got to apply the same principles that you were applying with 11 men. And that’s what let us down.”