Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says one Orlando Pirates player was the difference in their MTN8 semi-final second leg.
The Brazilians crashed out of the MTN8 after losing to the Buccaneers on penalties at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Cardoso felt the 1-1 scoreline was the right result, but lamented his side's failure to convert their chances.
Read: Pirates Advance To FOURTH Straight MTN8 Final
“I think we saw exactly what we expected, a team of Orlando Pirates just throwing long balls, aerial balls on the flanks. We had to control that game, I think we did, the only time we made a mistake is the goal from Pirates,” Cardoso told SuperSport after the game.
“I just regret the opportunities we had, we could’ve scored. I think Sundowns is still not fresh, we are struggling, we have not had long time of preparation as Pirates have and our players are not so reactive so quick and that will come."
Cardoso stated that Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was fantastic after his heroics in the penalty shoot-out.
“We knew that we had to pay that price, but well then, it’s the penalties, their goalkeeper was fantastic and it’s the difference of the game. Very equal game, I think 1-1 it’s a fair result. Like.
"I think 1-1 was the fair result in the first game, very equal game and they did well on penalties, victory to Pirates, I must say congratulations,” Cardoso said.
