Rulani Mokwena has come to the defence of his Mamelodi Sundowns players, following 1-0 defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians' Champions League ambitions suffered a dent as Glody Likonza's second-half strike sealed a win for the home side despite Sundowns' ball 66% possession during the encounter.
READ | Sundowns fall to Mazembe in Lubumbashi
The AFL Champions also recorded 16 attempts at goal, with six landing on target, while Mazembe made nine attempts and two found the target.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mokwena came to the defence of his players over the loss.
"In football you can win, lose or draw so no result surprises me because when you start a match, you can win, lose or draw," Mokwena said.
"On the day the team with the better chances lost the match. I still have to watch the game, that's why I can't speak too much and say the 'better' team lost, but I can vividly remember in my mind that we had so many chances and should have scored. So, no results surprises me.
"These group of players have proved that they are best on the continent. So, when they lose, we lose together and the responsibly lies on the shoulders of the coach.
"The players gave everything they have and I'm proud of their effort. If anyone is to be blamed for the defeat, it's me. So [I have] no doubts on my players and hands off."
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Despite the defeat, Sundowns remain at the top of Group A, although all the teams are now level on three points each. Next for The Brazilians is a DStv Premiership clash against AmaZulu to be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 15:00.
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