Katlego Sekhu
PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat in this year’s CAF Champions League to TP Mazembe on Saturday afternoon at Stade TP Mazembe.
The breakthrough that sealed the victory for Mazembe came in the second half after both sides couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half.
Sundowns’ coach, Rhulani Mokwena, congratulated Mazembe on their hard-fought win.
“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. 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,” he said.
Despite the loss, Mokwena believes his side was the better team.
“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,” he added.
“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. 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 about my players and hands off.”
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