Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained why they delayed their decisions to make substitutes, which created frustrations with sections of supporters at FNB Stadium.
With Chiefs looking to find a goal in the second half after a tumultuous first period in which their dominance somehow saw them level at 1-1 at the break, supporters were left puzzled.
Having went behind to Thando Ngwenya against the run of play, Chiefs levelled matters through Mduduzi Shabalala, but saw a penalty spurned by Glody Lilepo, whole Pule Mmodi’s goal-bound shot was ruled out for off-side as Khanyisa Mayo attempted to tap the ball in on the line.
It was a multitude of events that created frustration all round, but as they carved several chances in the second half, supporters were airing their opinions to the technical team over their lack of use of the bench, which inevitably arrived after the 70th minute.
“I think when we made substitutes we were in our best moment of the second half, we were dominating the game, making changes, you want to either correct something or add something,” he explained.
“When your team is doing good, or all the players are playing well, you don’t need to make substitutions – we made the first one for Lilepo, because in the last two games… I also have to say congratulations to him for playing with an injury.
“In this game, so we made the substitution and then Shabalala and Mayo were tired and then we made the changes – but before, we were doing well, creating many opportunities, we’re not here to make substitutions for the sake of it or if the fans ask for it.
“If we want to add something or correct something, we do it. The performance of the players were good, they missed chances, they were unlucky at times but we need to continue to work.”
Chiefs will now turn their attention to the Carling Knockout Cup – where they will face Stellenbosch FC on Sunday at Cape Town Stadium.