Mamelodi Sundowns registered their first defeat in this year’s CAF Champions League after a 1-0 defeat against TP Mazembe at Stade TP Mazembe on Saturday.

According to Masandawana coach Rhulani Mokwena, his side put up a brave fight to get something from the fixture but he was not happy with the kind of goal they conceded. “Congratulations to TP Mazembe on the win. Of course, we are not happy to lose the match, especially when you consider the number of chances we created. We had clear-cut chances. I remember we hit the crossbar upright three times,” said

He added: “There was a very good save in the second half where Peter Shalulile had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper who made a save with his feet. The type of goal that we conceded is a little bit difficult to stomach but of course, what matters at the end of the day are the results. With a lot of grace and humility, we accept defeat and congratulate our opponents for winning.”

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On the overall outcome of the game, Mokwena said: “In football, you can win, lose or draw, so no result surprises me because when you start the match you either win, lose or draw. Today we lost the game even though I think the team with better chances lost the match. I still need to watch the game, that’s why I can’t say we were the better team but I know we had so many chances and we should have scored.”

Despite the defeat and the many opportunities missed to score goals, Mokwena expressed his pride for his charges and how good of a game they had by saying: “I love my players. They have already proved that they are the best in the African continent and when they lose, we lose together and the responsibility also lies on the shoulders of the coach,” adding: “The players gave everything that they had and I’m proud of them. If there is anyone to be blamed for their defeat is me. I have no doubts on my players and hands off.”