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Barker: We've Lost The Battle, Not The War

Barker: We've Lost The Battle, Not The War

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker insists the MTN8 semi-final is not over and says his players must be brave in the second leg.

Stellies, who were down to ten men, took the lead through Olivier Toure on the stroke of halftime but the Buccaneers hit back in the second half through Zakhele Lepasa and Deon Hotto.

Read: Late Winner Seals First-Leg Comeback Win For Pirates

Barker felt his side were doing quite well until the Buccaneers equalised, but warned the the is not far from finished.

"Obviously when you're playing against a very good side like Pirates and you are a man down, it does make it difficult but I thought we applied ourselves well enough, we got a goal just before the break," Barker told SuperSport after the game.

"So we went into the change room with something to hold onto, I thought up until they scored the goal we were handling the situation very well, commitment, the tactical discipline of the team.

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"And although we were deep and we were in our defensive third, they weren't really creating too many opportunities, so it was unfortunate, a good ball back post, another good goal by Lepasa.

"You know at 1-1 I thought it's not a worse result to end the game considering that we are down to ten men and going to Orlando we would only need to win the game.

"So to concede late, it does make the task tougher but it's not over. We've lost today's battle but we haven't lost the war, so we have to go there, be brave and courageous and try to find ways to get something out of that game. Based on this performance, I don't see any reason why we can't."

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