Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has insisted that a Wydad Casablanca star should have been sent off in his side's defeat in the first leg of the African Football League final.
Read: Wydad boss makes big Downs claim after AFL final 1st-leg win
A 41st minute own goal by Rivaldo Coetzee was the first time Sundowns had conceded in the tournament, while a 78th minute wonder strike by Anas Serrhat gave Wydad the advantage heading into the second leg this coming weekend, with both teams desperate to be crowned the first-ever AFL champions.
Mokwena has since revealed, however, that he believes the Moroccan side's captain, Yahya Jabrane, should have been sent off after handling the ball in his own area.
Although a penalty a given and then converted by Boutouil, the Sundowns' manager has insisted that a sending-off would have changed the complexion of the game.
"After we conceded the first goal, we resorted to long balls to find penetration and when I look at it, it should have been a red card for Jabrane who stopped a goalscoring opportunity," Mokwena said after the game, per the AFL's official website.
"However, I don't like complaining about referees, but the fact is that would have made a big difference in the match."
The South African tactician also shouldered the blame for his side's undoing, and emphasised the belief he has in his side to come back stronger.
"First of all, as a coach, I take personal responsibility for the results we picked today.
"We lost our structure and were unlucky to concede the first goal.
"Regarding the second goal, we failed to deal with a cross and were punished for it.
"However, having said that, there are plenty of positives we picked from the match and believe 100% that we are going to do better in the second leg.
"One of the positives we pick from the match is the away goal. It does make a difference and we hope to turn it to our advantage.
"Secondly, my players fought hard against a good opponent spurred on by passionate fans. We finished the match stronger and this is something very positive for us."
Read: Sundowns suffer first-leg loss in AFL final
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