As players and coaches of Mamelodi Sundowns walked towards the bus on Saturday evening, you could tell by the looks on their faces that they were distressed.
Not many of the players were willing, or in the mood, to stop in the mixed zone to do interviews with the media, but senior coach Steve Komphela was one of those who took on the responsibility of giving an account of what had happened, as well as describe the feeling in the camp.
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Sundowns conceded late against Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final first leg at Loftus Stadium, as it ended 1-1. It's advantage Pyramids because of the away goal, but Sundowns have been around long enough to turn things around in Egypt this coming Sunday.
"It's a draw. We are in the final of the CAF Champions League and you know it's always important not to concede at home, but that it has happened we cannot revert. We look forward and go to Egypt and try get goals, also acknowledging the strengths of the opponent. We know how good they are, but Sundowns are equally a hell of a good team," Komphela said to media.
"Sundowns is very experienced. We've been through rough terrains. You have people like Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau. Apart from being experienced in club football, they come from the national team. These people have impeccable international experience and exposure. So, we are not going to chicken out. Nothing will stop us. Without being arrogant, we have to go there and play our game.
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"It will deflate you, but champions are born out of such tragedies. You just have to show resillience and mental strength because the minute you drown yourself in that sorrow, then you won't rise. So, it's very important to say 'it has happened, but did I lose or did I learn?' The lessons we picked up here should take us forward. We have to go to Cairo and make life difficult for them."
With their backs against the wall, Sundowns have shown in the past that they can still get the job done. They'll need to use their experience to get over the line and finally get their hands on a second Champions League title.
