Head coach Rulani Mokwena has acknowledged one tactical tweak from Orlando Pirates that caught him slightly by surprise during the two teams' clash in the MTN8 final on Saturday.
Sundowns lost 3-1 on penalties when Teboho Mokoena, Junior Mendieta and Bongani Zungu all saw their spot-kicks saved by Pirates' Sipho Chaine following a goalless draw after extra time at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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"I was caught a little bit by surprise with Miguel Timm’s position, on the goal kicks especially and how high he was on the pitch to try and stop us from playing," Mokwena told journalists at the post-match press conference.
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Still, Sundowns dominated the encounter, enjoying 55% of over all ball possession and making 15 attempts at goal, with two finding the target.
Pirates at the opposite end, made seven attempts at goal, all unable to trouble Ronwen Williams, who made zero saves in the encounter.
"But now, very proud of the players, strong second half, even where we struggled and played against the wind we created two big chances," added Mokwena.
"That’s football, isn’t it? If you leave it to the lottery of the penalties, it becomes very difficult but I’m very proud of the players.
"Against all odd we tried. We created very good chances, we have very good situations with Shika [Themba Zwane], we had a very good situation with Peter, we had another big situation with Marcelo and I think Pirates only had one chance which was that [Monnapule] Saleng situation.
"So good performance, we just have to dust ourselves up and move.”
Sundowns return to action after the FIFA international break with a DStv Premiership clash against Moroka Swallows on 29 October.
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