Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena compared their Nedbank Cup clash against University of Pretoria to going to the dentist.
Following a 1-1 draw in extra-time, after Delano Abrahams cancelled out an opener for Sundowns by Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the first-half of regulation time, the Brazilians eventually went through to the semi-finals after a 4-3 win on penalties.
However, Mokwena says they should have been out of sight in the first 15 minutes.
READ | Sundowns need penalties to overcome AmaTuks
"It was like going to the dentist, so difficult they play one-on-one, they load the box, throw-ins, lateral free-kicks, goal-kicks, everything is in the box, so tough. But why did we even go to penalties in this game?" Mokwena told SuperSport TV.
"I mean first 15 minutes should be 3-0, 4-0 and then we even had more chances in the second-half and we were a little bit unlucky also with (Thembinkosi) Lorch's last-minute chance but I'm happy for the boys, happy for the team, congratulations Mamelodi Sundowns.
"Commiserations to Tuks, they've had a good run in the competition and they are a very difficult team, so difficult to play against, wish them everything of the best for the rest of the season," he said.
The 37-year-old coach also went on and explained why they could not get control in the game.
"It's so difficult, it's a cup game number one, so difficult to control and then it's a team that play so open, so stretched, the long balls stretch you also but okay good, the most important thing is that we're in the semi-finals, one stage better than last season, so very proud of the players," Mokwena said.
"We took a lot of risks even with our subs. We took off (Aubrey) Modiba, we took off Grant (Kekana) also, we put on a lot of offensive players, so we went for it. No one can say we didn't go for it and we tried and I'm just very proud of the players, happy for the supporters and the football club."
Sundowns will switch their focus back to the DStv Premiership on Monday against Moroka Swallows before facing ES Tunis in the CAF Champions League next weekend.
"Heavy is the head, so we just have to continue carrying the crown."
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