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pslJohannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Antonio Lopez Habas has attempted to play down his sides' thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 victory over champions SuperSport United in Saturday's Tshwane derby.
Habas introduced Mabhuti Khenyeza and Papi Zothwane into the game when they looked to be heading for a 1-0 loss courtesy of a Dipsy Selolwane strike.
But the two substitutes both scored late, late goals to turn the tie around and hand all three points to Sundowns.
While the result is important for the confidence of his players, Habas was at pains to remind the press and the club's supporters that it is still very early days to be talking about a potential title charge.
He said: "It is early, early days. We must keep our feet firmly on the ground.
"Beating the champions like this gives my players a psychological advantage. But we have a long way to go. We have only played three games and we are not getting carried away or making any predictions.
"To win like this is fantastic and shows what spirit we have at Sundowns."
United coach Gavin Hunt was naturally deflated after watching his side throw away three points.
He added: "We have only ourselves to blame. But Sundowns did not deserve to beat us. We beat ourselves. We had so many chances to wrap up this game and we failed."
Hunt also bemoaned Khenyeza's equaliser in the 86th minute, saying he was offside when he scored, but refused to use it as an excuse for not winning.
"But I have been in South Africa soccer for 32 years and I am not making that as an excuse for losing. If you do not score goals you cannot win matches. It is as simple as that."
Habas introduced Mabhuti Khenyeza and Papi Zothwane into the game when they looked to be heading for a 1-0 loss courtesy of a Dipsy Selolwane strike.
But the two substitutes both scored late, late goals to turn the tie around and hand all three points to Sundowns.
While the result is important for the confidence of his players, Habas was at pains to remind the press and the club's supporters that it is still very early days to be talking about a potential title charge.
He said: "It is early, early days. We must keep our feet firmly on the ground.
"Beating the champions like this gives my players a psychological advantage. But we have a long way to go. We have only played three games and we are not getting carried away or making any predictions.
"To win like this is fantastic and shows what spirit we have at Sundowns."
United coach Gavin Hunt was naturally deflated after watching his side throw away three points.
He added: "We have only ourselves to blame. But Sundowns did not deserve to beat us. We beat ourselves. We had so many chances to wrap up this game and we failed."
Hunt also bemoaned Khenyeza's equaliser in the 86th minute, saying he was offside when he scored, but refused to use it as an excuse for not winning.
"But I have been in South Africa soccer for 32 years and I am not making that as an excuse for losing. If you do not score goals you cannot win matches. It is as simple as that."
